‘Enjoyable’ Tussle With Cristiano Ronaldo Sparks a Confession From Saudi Pro League Rival

While Cristiano Ronaldo may have changed his continent, it certainly didn’t affect one thing! Which is the challenging nature of his soccer dynamic. Even in Saudi Arabia, he continues to battle with all kinds of challenges on the pitch. In an intriguing revelation, one of CR7’s Saudi Pro League rivals was grateful for the opportunity to ‘test himself’ against the soccer legend.

Additionally, the peak days of Al Nassr remarkably continue as they maintain their unbeaten form.

Rival star reveals ‘learning’ from Cristiano Ronaldo while facing him

Even after Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia, it seems the Gulf Country isn’t letting him feel the absence of European soccer. The Portuguese superstar is surprisingly partaking in on-pitch-friendly battles against rivals. This comes after Al Ettifaq star Jack Hendry detailed the experience of his own battle with the 38-year-old.

The defender had a tussle with Ronaldo during the Kings Cup RO16, which Al Nassr had won after a late goal from Sadio Mane. Despite CR7 firing blank on the scoresheet, Hendry had praise for the icon. Speaking on BBC’s Football Focus, he said, “It’s really good to be playing against these types of guys. Ronaldo, obviously, one of the best players in the world. To test myself against him and have that tussle, it’s always enjoyable.”

While expressing his sadness over the loss against the Riyadh side, Hendry claimed to feel good after speaking to Ronaldo and swapping jerseys. “To play with these guys and to be coached by these guys, it’s only going to help improve my game and at the end of the day; I’m learning from them,” he concluded.

Indeed, these are some heartfelt words from the rival defender, which would surely feel soothing to Ronaldo’s ears. Notably, this isn’t the first time, as a major personality recently praised Ronaldo for uplifting the Saudi League with his presence.

CR7 has ‘incredibly’ changed the Saudi Pro League

Nicola Innocentin, the Sporting Director of Al Fateh, recently expressed gratitude towards Ronaldo for significantly elevating the league’s status. He said, “The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League changed everything in the league in an incredible way”. Despite initial concerns within the soccer community about Ronaldo’s $500 million decision, it has undeniably played a positive role in advancing the sport’s growth in Saudi Arabia.

READ MORE: Erling Haaland Lauds CR7 as ‘Main Inspiration,’ Weeks After Praising Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s Longevity

The acknowledgment from a rival team’s sporting director is truly heartening. Additionally, one of Kylian Mbappe’s former teammates also once revealed how CR7’s presence is beneficial for Saudi’s 20-year growth plan. Nevertheless, all of these are testaments that glory follows wherever the Al Nassr skipper steps.

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