Despite his role as a leader in Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo claims not to manage transfers, denying any intervention.
On the sidelines of Al-Nassr's broad victory against Rio Ave (4-0) in a friendly match this Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about the arrival of his new teammate João Félix in the Saudi club. While rumors circulated on a possible intervention of “CR7” to convince the Portuguese to join Saudi Arabia, the fivefold Ballon d'Or has clarified: it does not get involved in recruitment decisions.
“I did not call anyone, it was you who spread this rumor, I did not call anyone, it is not my role”Ronaldo told journalists. “My role is to train, to play well, to score goals, if possible. Taking the phone and calling is not my job. »»
The message is clear: the management of transfers is not part of its responsibilities within Al-Nassr, despite recent speculations on its interest in Greenwood also.
However, Ronaldo praised the choice of João Félix, who arrived at the club at the end of July. “I think it was a better option for João Félix to go to Saudi Arabia rather than playing in the Portuguese championship”he stressed, after having signed a hat-trick in this friendly match. Always a good ambassador of the Saudi Pro League, the Portuguese sees in his compatriot a talented player who will strengthen the team led by Jorge Jesus.
“It's a good choice for him”
“If you look at the number of stars present, the quality of the players and the competitiveness, I think it was a good choice for him”he added. He also swept criticism concerning the absence of a Champions League in Saudi Arabia and the age of João Félix, only 25 years old. “Even if he does not play the Champions League and that some say that he is too young to come here, it was a very good decision on his part. »»
Recently criticized, notably by his former teammate Saúl ñíguezJoão Félix chose Saudi Pro League after disappointing loans in Chelsea and AC Milan. Recruited 127 million euros by Atlético in 2019, he did not confirm expectations. His arrival in Saudi Arabia could however relaunch his career for the 2026 World Cup.
