Ex Real Madrid President Questions Timing of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Move to Al Nassr

Ex Real Madrid President Questions Timing of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Move to Al Nassr

Chukwu Ikechukwu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:25 PM
In this article:
Cristiano Ronaldo logo
C. Ronaldo
Al Nassr FC logoFPortugal logo
  • Cristiano Ronaldo has seen the timing of his move to Al-Nassr questioned by a former Real Madrid president
  • Ronaldo joined the Saudi Super League team in December after terminating his contract with Manchester United
  • The 38-year-old forward penned a two-and-a-half year contract with Al-Nassr worth around $75-million a year

Former Real Madrid president, Ramon Calderon believes Cristiano Ronaldo still had plenty to offer at a more competitive level and should not have moved to Saudi Arabia.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Al-Nassr as a free agent in December after Manchester United terminated his contract, following the controversial interview with Piers Morgan.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Al-Nassr, La Liga, Saudi Arabia, Ramon Calderon
Ramon Calderon believes Cristiano Ronaldo still had plenty to offer at a more competitive level and should not have signed for Al-Nassr. Photo by Anadolu Agency.
Source: Getty Images

According to Goal, Calderon insisted that Ronaldo could have still played in one of the top leagues for the next three years, due to his qualities and how well he has taken care of himself.

“I would have liked him to play two or three more years in the top leagues. I think he's still fit; in good shape. He's been a player that has taken care of himself very well for all of his career."

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ click on "Recommended for you" and enjoy!

Calderon was Real Madrid president when Ronaldo moved to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in 2009 from Man United, in what was a British transfer record.

Al-Nassr teammates treat Ronaldo differently

Meanwhile, Al-Nassr manager, Rudi Garcia believes the rest of the team are now starting to understand how to get the best out of Ronaldo, Daily Mirror reports.

The 38-year-old forward rolled back the clock to notch all four of the Riyadh-based clubs' goals in their emphatic win over Al-Wehda last week.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had scored just once in his first three competitive appearances for the Saudi club before an emphatic performance.

Al-Nassr boss makes Ronaldo U-turn

Sports Brief also reported on Al-Nassr manager, Garcia retracting criticism of Ronaldo after he scored four goals on Thursday.

The superstar cemented his status as the greatest finisher to have graced football, following his super hat-trick against Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League.

The Portuguese icon has been on fire since last week, with the 38-year-old scoring five goals in just his last two games for his new Riyadh-based club.

Authors
Chukwu Ikechukwu photo
Chukwu Ikechukwu
Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a journalist with over 9 years of experience in the Nigerian media industry. He has worked both in Radio (Today FM, Rhythm FM, Wish FM) and Television (Silverbird TV) as a Sports Analyst..
Tags
World