Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the whole soccer world when he moved to Al Nassr FC. The move to Saudi Arabia garnered mixed reactions from the soccer fraternity. However, the enormous pay involved in the transfer raised the eyebrows of many. A particular section of fans questioned his motives to move to a less-fancied league after the superstar became the highest-paid athlete.
There were concerns in the minds of a few Al Nassr fans, too. But perceptions do change. And Ronaldo has done it many times in his career. Al Nassr fans, especially a lifelong fan Abdulmajeed Al-Arrak, were no exception to it.
Cristiano Ronaldo dispels fears of Al Nassr fans
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Al Nassr, meaning victory, is one of the massive names in the Saudi Pro League. The club has signed many top players over the years. But the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo came as a significant boost for the club. The club made the Portuguese the highest-paid athlete.
FourFourTwo recently spoke with Al-Arrak, a lifelong Al Nassr fan. He has been with the club and has seen many ups and downs. Al-Arrak also saw many players and managers come and go. The Al Nassr fan was skeptical about the arrival of Ronaldo at the club. He felt many players used the club to collect high salaries and nothing else. And he thought the same of the former Manchester United superstar.
However, his perception changed with time. “There’s no question in my mind that he’s raised the bar,” Al-Arrak tells FourFourTwo. “I’ve watched Al-Nassr for a long time. I’ve seen managers and players come and go; too often it looked like players were just here to pick up a cheque and, honestly, I feared that could be exactly the same with Ronaldo.”
Impact of Ronaldo on club
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Cristiano Ronaldo is the most followed soccer star worldwide arguably. He is known for his tough training and diet regime. The arrival of the Portuguese at Al Nassr affected his teammates, too. They started to concentrate more on their diets and training. Recently, the team doctor revealed how the arrival of the Portuguese has raised the performances of his teammates.
Ronaldo has brought more followers to the Saudi Arabia League and Al Nasr. The club saw a significant rise in its social media following. Since the arrival of Ronaldo, the league has garnered more interest, linking Saudi clubs with many soccer superstars from Europe. It seems Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing is the start of something new for the Gulf nation and its domestic league.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Ten Times Cristiano Ronaldo Four Goals in a Game
Let us know your thoughts on whether other soccer stars nearing retirement will follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo.