“I went to the dressing room, and I was just dropping tears” - Saudi Pro League star opens up on Cristiano Ronaldo moment that made him cry
Al-Fayha star Fashion Sakala was one of the players to follow Cristiano Ronaldo in leaving European football for the Saudi Pro League. The Zambian recently shared the details of an encounter with the Portuguese icon that left him in tears after he arrived in Saudi Arabia.
Clubs in the Saudi Pro League have spent heavily to bring and keep some of the big boys of European football. Ronaldo's transfer to Al-Nassr proved to be a catalyst for many other players to follow suit from across Europe.
Zambia international Fashion Sakala played for Scottish giants Rangers, having previously played in Russia and Belgium. The striker revealed that when he received an offer from Al-Fayha to move to Saudi Arabia in 2023, he made his decision without hesitation.
Sakala spoke to the official Saudi Pro League channel on YouTube about his experience with Cristiano Ronaldo after his move. He revealed that he harbored dreams of sharing the pitch with the Portuguese star.
"The decision to come to Al-Fayha was not difficult. When they told me about the team and made the offer, these were the things I was looking for. This is what I have been wishing for since I was young. After receiving the offer, I remembered my dreams of meeting Cristiano, so it was my pleasure to accept the offer and achieve my dream," Fashion Sakala said at 2:58 (via SNL24).
"Ronaldo opened the door for many players to come to the Saudi League. In one of the matches, I asked for Cristiano's shirt, and the interesting thing is that he asked me to give him my shirt, and this made me cry because I fulfilled my childhood dream. I remember I went into the dressing room, and I was just dropping tears," he added.
Sakala was prolific for Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League in 2023-24, scoring 19 goals and providing six assists for the side in 31 games. The 27-year-old also scored thrice in eight AFC Champions League matches for his club, while registering three assists.
Cristiano Ronaldo misses out as Al-Nassr commence pre-season training
Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to resume training with Al-Nassr ahead of the 2024-25 season after the side commenced their pre-season camping. The 39-year-old remains on holiday with his family after his exploits in the summer.
Portugal fell in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, with Cristiano Ronaldo featuring in all of their matches. The legendary player did not score in the tournament, managing just one assist in five games.
Speculations from the Al-Nassr camp indicate that Ronaldo may return to action for the side ahead of the Saudi Super Cup semi-final clash against Al-Taawoun on August 14. Ronaldo watched from home as his teammates played out a 1-1 draw against Portuguese side Farense on Saturday (July 20). The Knights of Najd will next face Portuguese giants FC Porto on Sunday (July 28).