Barcelona Coach Xavi Warns Cristiano Ronaldo Ahead of His Al Nassr Adventure

• A new chapter in the illustrious career of Cristiano Ronaldo will unfurl on Thursday
• His debut since moving to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr is an exhibition with Messi's PSG
• However, the veteran striker has been given a stern warning by an old Barcelona foe

Xavi Hernandez has forewarned Cristiano Ronaldo that his move to the Middle East will not be a bed of roses.

Xavi, who spent six seasons with Al Sadd as a player and later as a coach, reckoned the Saudi Professional League is as competitive as any league in Europe.

The 42-year-old's assertion stems from Ronaldo's lucrative transfer to Al-Nassr, following the mutual termination of his contract with Manchester United.

Many fans believe that in joining Al-Nassr, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had taken the easy option, but the Barcelona coach sharply disagrees.

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"Ronaldo has signed for one of the best clubs in Saudi Arabia, but it's a challenge," Xavi told the media as quoted by MEN.

He also challenged the perception that the Saudi top flight league is a weaker competition.

"Saudi Arabia has things to improve, but that’s the same as in Spain, where we have 200 things to improve. Everyone deserves that football should go around the world."

Meanwhile, Ronaldo is set to play in his first game on Saudi soil, when he leads a Riyadh all-star XI against Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain at the King Fahd Stadium, per Al Jazeera.

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Ronaldo left Europe after his contract with Man United was terminated, following an explosive interview he did with British broadcaster, Piers Morgan.

The 37-year-old next joined Al-Nassr on a two-and-a-half-year deal worth €200-million per year. He is yet to make his debut, due to a suspension he earned in England.

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Ronaldo's new manager, Rudi Garcia has confirmed the superstar's first game in Saudi Arabia could be against Messi and PSG.

Xavi hails Cristiano Ronaldo

Sports Brief earlier reported that Ronaldo may have played for Barcelona's rivals, Real Madrid, but he still has fans at La Blaugrana.

The current manager and a legend of the Catalan club, Xaxi still rates the Portuguese star very highly.

Ronaldo was in the headlines late last year for all the wrong reasons, first causing a stir after his interview with Piers Morgan, which led to his exit from the Red Devils.