"We ask him to teach us how to win" - Al-Nassr CEO on Cristiano Ronaldo's influence in the club
Al-Nassr CEO Guido Fienga has acknowledged the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo in getting the team to win games. However, he dispelled the assumption that the Portuguese forward controls the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in 2023 sent shockwaves through the football world, bringing unprecedented attention to the Saudi Pro League. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus forward has added firepower to the club’s frontline. Moreover, he has also become a key figure in its locker room, mentoring younger players and fostering a culture of winning.
While Ronaldo’s influence at Al-Nassr is undeniable, Fienga clarified that the Portuguese superstar does not dictate the club’s decisions. There has been speculation in the media about the extent of Ronaldo’s control within the team. Some suggest that his status as one of the world’s greatest players might grant him a level of authority over the club’s management.
However, Fienga refuted these claims, stressing that Ronaldo respects the club’s vision and direction. He said (via Al Nassr Zone):
“Ronaldo is the leader and he is the strongest in the world. Ronaldo does not control Al Nassr and knows our directions. Ronaldo teaches us how to win.”
Al-Nassr reportedly rejected Cristiano Ronaldo’s advice in terms of managerial appointment, hiring former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli after they parted ways with Luis Castro. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had initially suggested to consider appointing Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane.
Since joining the Saudi Pro League club, Ronaldo has scored 62 goals and provided 17 assists in 69 games across competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to Luis Castro after he was fired by Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a farewell message to former Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro, who was dismissed by the club on Tuesday, September 17. The 63-year-old Portuguese manager was shown the exit door following his slow start to the new Saudi Pro League season. They had managed just one win in three matches.
Following Castro's departure, the Al-Nassr captain shared a photograph of himself with his former manager on his Instagram story and captioned it:
''Thank you for everything’’
Castro has now been replaced by former AC Milan’s Stefano Pioli on a three-year deal agreement. The Saudi Pro League club will expect Pioli to bring his wealth of managerial experience to the club, having previously managed Lazio, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina. The Italian manager guided the Rossoneri to the Scudetto in the 2021-22 season and the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2022-23 campaign.