The alleged press conference with Cristiano Ronaldo at his new club Al-Nassr turns out to be a show and gala for the former world footballer. He talks a lot about himself – and something about his new place of residence. In South Africa, so his embarrassing mistake.
Angry tongues could say: If you don’t have to take care of your flights, your accommodation and your contracts yourself, you can be completely wrong. Where did Cristiano Ronaldo move to? He was enthroned at his mega show, which was supposed to be no less than the “welcome ceremony for the world’s best player”, as his new club had dubbed it, in a gray suit with a white shirt, light blue tie and cross earrings on the podium. Namely at FC Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. But the 37-year-old suddenly spoke about South Africa.
Did he really just say that? Yes! Just a slip of the tongue, but a very absurd one. He spoke about the ridicule of the public because he no longer plays in the Champions League in Europe. His answer: “It’s not the end of my career going to South Africa. Football has changed, I want to change. I don’t care what people say.”
Well, when it comes to geography, Ronaldo may have to do another detention. Or is it because he had offers from almost all over the world? So he emphasized it himself in his presentation. “I still had a lot of opportunities in Europe, a lot of clubs from Brazil, Australia, the USA and also from Portugal wanted to get me,” said the Portuguese. He said: “This contract is unique, but I’m also a unique player, so it’s normal for me. A lot of big clubs in Europe wanted me, but I gave my word to this one.”
But then he remembered that he was in Saudi Arabia, namely at his point against Lionel Messi. “I’ve seen a few games. I know the league is competitive and good. At the World Cup, the Saudis beat the champions – don’t forget!” At the start of the World Cup, Messi’s Argentina lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia, but then won all other games.
Speaking of Messi, one superstar always feels like one statement away from the other. If you talk about one, the name of the other comes up almost automatically. Even in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has no rest from the newly crowned world champion. Because while his Al-Nassr jersey is already a bestseller, arch-rival Al-Hilal is suddenly offering Messi jerseys in the official fan shop. It’s probably just a marketing gimmick, an attempt to ride Ronaldo’s wave of attention.
Incidentally, the two clubs, usually quarrels for the crown of the Saudi Pro League, could ensure that the duel between the two world footballers will soon take place again. According to French broadcaster RMC, Paris St. Germain could travel with Messi during the short French league break from January 15 for a friendly against a combined side of Al-Nassr and city rivals Al-Hilal. This duel was originally supposed to take place in 2022, but had to be canceled due to the corona pandemic.
But Ronaldo doesn’t want to worry about his rival on his show. After all, it’s about him. Criticism and competition undesirable: “My story in Europe has been told. I’ve won everything, played for many big clubs. Now it’s time for a new challenge in Asia. I want to shed a different light on the country, on football. I ready to play football and entertain people.”
This self-centeredness was intentional. Officially a press conference, in reality there was not a question from journalists. But again and again cheering scenes from the audience. “We love you, Ronaldo” shouts and his “Siuuuu” exclamation were accompanied by sustained applause.
His social media team should have paid a little more attention to where Ronaldo is and when. At around 6:50 p.m., Twitter read: “Thank you, Riyadh, for the warm welcome. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the stadium tonight.” However, his reception, which included a pyro and laser show in the stadium, was long overdue.
Next time Ronaldo could be seen on Thursday. Then Al-Nassr, leader of the table by the way, plays against Al-Tai. It is still unclear whether the superstar will be there.