Cristiano Ronaldo had one of the roughest years of his career in 2022 as he fell down the pecking order at Manchester United, followed by a disastrous World Cup campaign with Portugal. PSG’s Goncalo Ramos took up the mantle and led the line in his absence. While many fans believed Cristiano was at his limit, Al Nassr’s boss, Luis Castro, had faith in the Portuguese talisman.

In an interview, the Al Nassr boss stated Cristiano is a human and reiterated how people are not in their best shape all the time. Thus, Castro had some words for CR7 and explained the dip in the form of the sensational superstar. 

Luis Castro defends Cristiano’s dip in form

In an interview with OJogo, the Al Nassr boss discussed Cristiano Ronaldo’s form during the 2022 World Cup. However, Castro did not lose hope as he labeled Cristiano the best in the world despite his dip in form. Castro claimed, “He was and is the best in the world. But there is one thing that people must realize: we are all human beings, we are not machines and neither are idols. At certain times, people look at the protagonists and lose respect for human beings.”

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Notably, Ronaldo has been on the top of his game playing for Luis Castro’s Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The duo have done an excellent job at the Middle Eastern club, enabling them to climb up the ladder and stay in second place. The Al Nassr skipper has led the charge from the front this season, standing firm in first place in the race for the Golden Boot.

Cristiano Ronaldo ends 2023 in style

2023 saw Cristiano Ronaldo bag another accolade with the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) announcing the player as the top scorer for the 2023 calendar year. The Portuguese talisman had a sensational year for the side, bagging an impressive 54 goals in all competitions.

IFFHS issued a statement honoring Cristiano by stating, “A dramatic culmination determined the winner of the IFFHS Men’s Best Global Goal Scorer 2023 award. With just a few days before the year’s end, Cristiano Ronaldo took over the lead and finished on top with 54 goals.”

Fans will hope that the Al Nassr skipper can continue his purple patch this season and help his side get their hands on the Saudi Pro League title. What are your thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance in 2023? Let us know in the comments below.

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