“I am happy, thanks to the team, thanks to the fans” - Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after scoring matchwinning goal for Al-Nassr against Al-Shabab
Cristiano Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr get all three points in their latest Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Shabab. The Portuguese scored a spectacular winner in the 59th minute to hand his team a 3-2 win.
The 38-year-old addressed the media after the match. He claimed that it was not easy to come back from a two-goal deficit. However, the team made it possible. He said (via 9NFCBall):
"I am happy. Thanks to the team, thanks to the fans."
🎙️ " رونالدو : " انا سعيد ، شكراً للفريق ، شكراً للجمهور ."
🚨🎙️ " رونالدو : " انا سعيد ، شكراً للفريق ، شكراً للجمهور ." https://t.co/Yo3YaFHAGE
He also made a bold claim, saying that the Saudi Pro League has the potential to become one of the top five leagues in the world next season.
"The Saudi League is becoming strong. It will be one of the top five leagues. Next season, it needs more stars and stadiums."
🚨🎙️ الاسطورة رونالدو : " الدوري السعودي يصبح قوياً ، سيكون من أفضل 5 دوريات ، الموسم المقبل يحتاج المزيد من النجوم والملاعب ." https://t.co/lY9qFBF2JC
Al-Nassr found themselves trailing by two goals in the first half as Cristian Guanca scored a brace, including a penalty. Anderson Talisca pulled one back for the hosts at the Al-Awwal Park on the stroke of half-time. It was a great finish from the former Benfica prodigy.
Abdulrahman Ghareeb equalized by showing good presence of mind inside the box in the 51st minute. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a belter for the winner in the 59th minute. After being played by Luiz Gustavo, he skipped past two defenders before launching a curler of the highest accuracy from outside the box.
Ronaldo has now scored 14 goals and has provided three assists for Al-Nassr since making his debut in January. Dinko Jelicic's team kept up the pressure on Al-Ittihad, who defeated Al-Batin (1-0). Al-Alamy have 63 points fron 28 games and trail Al-Ittihad by three points.
Al-Nassr star claimed playing with Cristiano Ronaldo is difficult
Al-Nassr star Abdulrahman Ghareeb claimed that playing with Ronaldo is difficult. Since the Portuguese legend joined the SPL side, Ghareeb has been one of the superstar's main attacking partners.
The exact reason for Ghareeb's comments are not yet clear. However, it could be down to the fact that Ronaldo's presence makes other teams elevate their performance. Hence, Al-Nassr players need to adjust as well.
Ghareeb said:
"Playing with Cristiano Ronaldo is difficult."
🚨🎙️عبدالرحمن غريب :
" اللعب مع كريستيانو رونالدو صعب ." https://t.co/NCI19jIQiq
While it might not be easy to get on the frequency that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner operates on, Cristiano Ronaldo's presence has given players like Ghareeb a great exposure. Fans across the globe are now familiar with them.