"Ronaldo is going trophyless again", "Can Cristiano leave this club" - Fans react as Al-Nassr lose 1-0 to Granada in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence
Al-Nassr fans have blasted their side on X after they lost 1-0 to Granada in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence. The two sides faced each other in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, August 4.
The Knights of Najd have seriously struggled this summer without Cristiano Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was on holiday with his family following his participation at Euro 2024, before re-joining the squad on Saturday, August 3.
Al-Nassr have only won one game this summer, defeating Maritimo 1-0. They were then held to consecutive 1-1 draws against Louletano DC and SC Farense, before losing 1-0 to Portimonense. Luis Castro and Co. were subsequently thrashed 4-0 by Porto, before being held to a 0-0 stalemate against Lusitano 1911.
Unfortunately, they failed to fare much better against Spanish second-division side Granada. Despite fielding a relatively experienced side that included Anderson Talisca, Marcelo Brozovic, and Otavio, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr found themselves trailing just before half-time. Lucas Boye scored from close range in the 45+2' minute after Faris Najd failed to clear the ball following a corner.
Al-Nassr had a massive opportunity to get back into the game in the 54th minute but Talisca was unable to convert his penalty. Granada held onto their lead to seal an impressive 1-0 win.
Fans blasted the Saudi outfit, with one predicting Cristiano Ronaldo to go trophyless again after he failed to win any silverware last season:
"Yeh Ronaldo is going trophyless again. @Cristiano why do you always make bad choices"
Another fan typed:
"Al nassr is finished"
One fan implored Cristiano Ronaldo to leave the club:
"Can @Cristiano leave this club already ffs pendu forget the money and go to a club that wins trophies"
Other reactions can be viewed below:
"Sell the Saudi players and buy some real football players," one fan tweeted
"We’re supposed to be improving our performances with each game but they’re getting worse," another added
"They can't even cross.,.. we'd be lucky to win any trophy," one fan posted
"We leaving soon, they don’t deserve Ronaldo!! Sign some good players," another typed
"I still don't understand why Cristiano thinks saudi is the top 5 league in the world," one fan chimed in
"Finished club, wont be watching any games until Ronaldo's last match for the club," another reacted
Luis Enrique requests PSG management to sign Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate: Reports
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has reportedly requested the club's management to sign Al-Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte this summer, as per journalist Jose Alvarez Haya.
Laporte left Premier League champions Manchester City to join the Saudi Pro League outfit last summer for a reported transfer fee of £23.6 million. The 30-year-old made 40 appearances across competitions last season, scoring four goals.
However, Laporte reportedly wants to return to Europe this summer and is seeking to have his contract mutually terminated. Despite this, Al-Nassr are yet to make a final decision on his future ahead of the new season.
PSG would benefit from signing a player of Laporte's calibre. However, they could face stiff competition from Real Madrid who are also reportedly keen on acquiring his signature.