“My reaction was to get him” - Nigeria star opens up on ‘game to remember’ against Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Pro League
Nigerian defender Izuchukwu Anthony has spoken about his experience of playing against Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
Anthony, currently without a club, played for Al-Khaleej last season. He faced Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in a match that ended 1-1 on May 8, 2023. Speaking about his experience of coming up against the Portuguese superstar, Anthony said (via Premium Times Nigeria):
“It was one of the best moments in my career. I felt challenged when I saw him during the game because he was at the level I aspired to be. It was a game to test my ability."
Reflecting on the match that ended in stalemate, Anthony said:
"Eventually, the game ended 1-1. We scored very early in the fourth minute and could have scored more. We were just determined to get something out of the game."
Anthony went on to add that playing against Cristiano Ronaldo lit a special kind of fire under his belly. He said:
“Before kick-off, I felt that the day to put myself to a real test had come. I promised myself it would be a game to remember. So, my reaction was to get him and I did that every time I had to. I did my job well and his name began ringing in my head again after the game.”
Ronaldo's arrival has been significant for the Saudi Pro League due to the attention it has generated from across the globe. Apart from that, the Portuguese attacker has also helped elevate the league's standard.
With more viewers attentive to Al-Nassr's matches, lesser-known players often look to utilize the platform to prove their mettle.
What is next for Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr?
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr won't be in action soon as the Saudi Pro League is on break. Ronaldo's side will play their next game on January 24, a friendly against Shanghai Shenhua in China.
Al-Nassr are currently second in the Saudi Pro League with 46 points from 19 matches. They trail league leaders Al-Hilal by seven points. Al-Alami have also reached the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League and will play Al-Fayha.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in great personal form so far this season. The Portuguese legend has netted 24 goals and has provided 11 assists in 25 matches across competitions.