"It’s 50 degrees, so it’s impossible to train" - Cristiano Ronaldo told by Vicente Moreno he could struggle in Saudi Arabia due to grueling heat
Former Espanyol manager Vicente Moreno has warned Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo about the unforgiving weather conditions in Saudi Arabia. Moreno claimed that since training in the morning was not an option in the grueling Saudi summers, Ronaldo could have difficulty adjusting to unfamiliar afternoon training sessions.
Cristiano Ronaldo was officially unveiled as an Al Nassr player in the first week of January. The player, who left Manchester United by mutual consent in November, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Saudi Arabian club. It is believed that he would earn around $200 million per year during his stay at Al Nassr.
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Cristiano Ronaldo captains Al Nassr to victory on his debut ©️🇸🇦 https://t.co/gYXgPpFjWy
Moreno, who is currently in charge of Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League rivals Al Shabab, recently voiced his opinion about Ronaldo’s transfer. Warning the Portuguese about the summer weather, Moreno claimed that he could find it difficult to get used to the evening training sessions.
“I’m curious to see how Ronaldo adapts,” Moreno told The Athletic.
“He will have to train in the afternoons. In August, it’s 50 degrees, so it’s impossible to train in the morning. That might not sound like an important change, but if you’ve had a particular training routine all your life, it can be hard to adjust.”
Ronaldo has featured twice for Al Nassr this season, enjoying one win in the Saudi Pro League while enduring a defeat in the Saudi Super Cup. He is yet to find the back of the net for his new employers.
Al Nassr boss Rudi Garcia insists Cristiano Ronaldo won’t end his career in Saudi Arabia
Al Nassr ace Cristiano Ronaldo has received a king’s welcome in Saudi Arabia. The Mrsool Park Stadium was full at his unveiling and the country made a special law to allow him to stay with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez. Additionally, his Al Nassr teammates have not hesitated to welcome him with open arms.
Ronaldo almost scores his first goal for Al Nassr! #النصر_الاتفاق https://t.co/w8vL3cWqqP
Despite the heartwarming reception, Ronaldo is unlikely to end his career there. According to his coach Rudi Garcia, the Portugal icon will return to Europe to cap off his career in style.
The French coach said (via GOAL):
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a positive addition, as he helps to disperse defenders. He is one of the best players in the world. He will not finish his career at Al-Nassr, he will return to Europe.”
Before signing for Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly tried to seal a move to a Champions League-playing club but was unsuccessful. The five-time Champions League winner is currently the competition's leading goalscorer with 141 goals. Lionel Messi, however, is breathing down his neck, with him sitting only 16 goals behind him in second place.
Given how competitive Ronaldo is, he would hate for the arch-nemesis to break his precious record. A grand return to the competition is the best way to ensure that.