"Hattrick today we will be there", "The GOAT is back" - Fans react as Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Al Nassr XI to face Al Khaleej
Fans were pleased to see Cristiano Ronaldo return to the Al Nassr starting XI for their clash against Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, April 27.
The Portuguese attacker was sent off in the semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup against Al-Hilal on April 9 for elbowing defender Ali Al-Bulaihi. Subsequently, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner received a two-match ban and missed Al Nassr's fixture against Al-Fayha on April 19, 2024.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo was able to return to action after missing just one fixture as Al-Nassr won an appeal against his two-match ban, which reduced his suspension to just one game (via Saudi Arabian journalist Aymen Al Tamimi).
Fans flooded social media, sharing their excitement for the return of the 39-year-old forward. They were hopeful about him pulling off a great performance. Here is a collection of their posts on X (formerly Twitter):
One fan wrote:
"A hattrick today we will be there."
Another added:
"The goat is back."
"I hope to see the goat scole," chimed in another fan.
One user said:
"SIUUU CR7."
Another wrote:
"The GOAT is back. Brace for him tonight."
"Ronaldo, hurray! He is the best player in Saudi Arabia!," an account posted.
While another post read:
"Siuuuuuu footballll is back."
Though Ronaldo wasn't able to get on the scoresheet, his side won 1-0 courtesy an Aymeric Laporte goal. Al Nassr are currently second in the Saudi Pro League behind arch-rivals Al-Hilal, who have 11 more points.
Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo named Saudi Pro League 'Player of the Month' for March
Cristiano Ronaldo was named the Saudi Pro League's Player of the Month for March. Last month, the Portuguese star scored four goals, including a hat-trick, in three appearances.
Ronaldo has already scored 36 goals and provided 12 assists in 37 appearances for Al Nassr across all competitions this season. He is also the leading scorer in Saudi Pro League currently with 29 goals in 25 appearances.
On April 2, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 65th career hat trick in Al Nassr's clash against Abha Club in the Saudi Pro League, just three days after he scored his previous hat trick against Al-Tai FC on March 30.