Al-Nassr is no different to European clubs' - Cristiano Ronaldo hailed for 'securing his future' with 'incredible' move to Saudi Arabia

Former Portugal coach Fernando Santos has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo for 'securing his future' by moving to Saudi Arabia.

Santos praised Ronaldo's Saudi move

Compared Al-Nassr to European clubs

Al-Nassr face Al-Akhdoud on Thursday

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 2016 European Championship-winning coach spoke highly of Ronaldo as he praised the 39-year-old's decision to move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 and "secure his future". Santos also boldly claimed that Al-Nassr is "no different" from any club in the European game.

WHAT FERNANDO SANTOS SAID

Speaking on Egyptian Channel 1 (via OJogo), Santos said: "Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr is an incredible decision, but it is a unique experience, and Al Nassr is no different to European clubs. The atmosphere in Saudi football is wonderful. Cristiano is a world-class player and was looking to secure his future."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo has faced criticism and trolling over his jibe at Ligue 1 during his speech at the Globe Soccer Awards last month, where he said: "The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, of course. I'm not saying that because I play here. I don't care what people think about it. Players should come here and they will see quickly. Just try to do sprints at 38, 39, 40 degrees...Come and you will see. If you don't believe me, come. In France, they only have PSG, everyone else is finished. Nobody can beat them because they have the most money and the best players."

Al-Gharafa v Al-Nassr - AFC Champions League Elite West RegionGetty Images Sport

WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star is all set to take to the field for Al-Nassr this week after a well-earned winter break. The Saudi giants will face Al-Akhdoud in a league clash on Thursday.

Goal.com

Contact Us

Terms of Service

Privacy policy

Careers

Goal App (Android)

Goal App (iOS)

Goal Live

International

International (English)

Copyright © 2025 Goal All rights reserved. The information contained in Goal may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of Goal

WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star is all set to take to the field for Al-Nassr this week after a well-earned winter break. The Saudi giants will face Al-Akhdoud in a league clash on Thursday.Al-Nassr is no different to European clubs' - Cristiano Ronaldo hailed for 'securing his future' with 'incredible' move to Saudi Arabia

Former Portugal coach Fernando Santos has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo for 'securing his future' by moving to Saudi Arabia.

Santos praised Ronaldo's Saudi move

Compared Al-Nassr to European clubs

Al-Nassr face Al-Akhdoud on Thursday

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 2016 European Championship-winning coach spoke highly of Ronaldo as he praised the 39-year-old's decision to move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 and "secure his future". Santos also boldly claimed that Al-Nassr is "no different" from any club in the European game.

WHAT FERNANDO SANTOS SAID

Speaking on Egyptian Channel 1 (via OJogo), Santos said: "Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr is an incredible decision, but it is a unique experience, and Al Nassr is no different to European clubs. The atmosphere in Saudi football is wonderful. Cristiano is a world-class player and was looking to secure his future."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo has faced criticism and trolling over his jibe at Ligue 1 during his speech at the Globe Soccer Awards last month, where he said: "The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, of course. I'm not saying that because I play here. I don't care what people think about it. Players should come here and they will see quickly. Just try to do sprints at 38, 39, 40 degrees...Come and you will see. If you don't believe me, come. In France, they only have PSG, everyone else is finished. Nobody can beat them because they have the most money and the best players."

Al-Gharafa v Al-Nassr - AFC Champions League Elite West RegionGetty Images Sport

WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star is all set to take to the field for Al-Nassr this week after a well-earned winter break. The Saudi giants will face Al-Akhdoud in a league clash on Thursday.

Goal.com

Contact Us

Terms of Service

Privacy policy

Careers

Goal App (Android)

Goal App (iOS)

Goal Live

International

International (English)

Copyright © 2025 Goal All rights reserved. The information contained in Goal may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of Goal

WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star is all set to take to the field for Al-Nassr this week after a well-earned winter break. The Saudi giants will face Al-Akhdoud in a league clash on Thursday.