Al Nassr Star Leaves Saudi Club 7 Months After ‘Willingly’ Giving His No.7 Shirt to Ronaldo

• Al-Nassr have parted ways with Jaloliddin Masharipov by mutual agreement
• Masharipov leaves the club seven months after he gave up his No.7 shirt to Cristiano Ronaldo
• The 29-year-old Uzbek star made a paltry 16 appearances across all competitions last season

Jaloliddin Masharipov and Al-Nassr have mutually decided to part ways seven months after he relinquished his No.7 shirt to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Back in February, Masharipov garnered attention for his gesture when Ronaldo made his high-profile move to the Saudi Pro League.

The Uzbekistan international willingly handed over his No.7 jersey to the Portuguese maestro, allowing him to inherit his favoured number.

The 29-year-old eventually adopted the No.77 shirt and explained that this shift was an easy decision due to his deep admiration for the five-time Ballon d'Or recipient.

There was speculation that Jaloliddin might have faced contract termination if he hadn't agreed to surrender the No.7 shirt to Cristiano, a number synonymous with the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star, per KickOff.

Sadio Mane makes Al Nassr debut against Egyptian giants Zamalek

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Although he completed the 2022-23 season with the team, the Uzbek star won't be involved in the club's activities for the upcoming 2023-24 campaign.

In a statement shared on the X App, formerly known as Twitter, the club announced that Masha and the Knights of Najd had reached an amicable agreement to part ways.

Why Masharipov vacated No.7

Jaloliddin Masharipov has provided insight into his choice to exchange jerseys with Cristiano Ronaldo.

There were reports that Masharipov initially resisted giving up the number, which could have led to the termination of his contract.

Masharipov explained that the decision to surrender the No.7 shirt to Ronaldo was an easy one for him, given his deep respect for the five-time Ballon d'Or champion.

Masharipov reacts to Ronaldo's captaincy

Sports Brief also reported that the Uzbekistan international has thrown light on the decision by the club hierarchy to name Cristiano Ronaldo as captain from the off.

Sadio Mane sends touching message to Cristiano Ronaldo after netting crucial goal for Al Nassr

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Ronaldo was named as club captain of the Riyadh-based giants on the back of his sensational move to Al-Nassr.

Despite the quick turn of events, the decision has not ruffled feathers in the dressing room, with the squad admitting Ronaldo's presence makes him the natural leader of the group.