‘Cristiano Ronaldo can be Saudi Arabia’s Pele’

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 2 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing for Al-Nassr can cause an explosion of interest in football in the country in the way that Pele managed in the USA, according to Rudi Garcia, the Portugal legend’s new head coach.

Ronaldo has arrived at Al-Nassr following the termination of his Manchester United contract by mutual consent in November.

His decision to move to the Saudi Pro League side is a lucrative deal for the 37-year-old, who has become the best-paid footballer ever with the transfer.

MORE: Saudi Arabia bends marriage law for Cristiano Ronaldo

And Garcia says that the move can be a groundbreaking one for Saudi Arabia.

“It’s great,” he said when asked how he feels about Ronaldo joining the club.

“It’s great for us, Al-Nassr. It’s great for Saudi Arabia. Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a player. He’s one of the best players in the world, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner. I think that for the development of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, it’s very important.

MORE: When will Ronaldo make his Al-Nassr debut?

“Ten years ago, we couldn’t have imagined that all these great champions would come to this country.

“If I can make a comparison for Cristiano Ronaldo, I think it resembles Pele’s decision to move to the USA at his time a little, notably for the development of football and of the culture of Saudi Arabia.”

’The greatest champions the easiest to manage’

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is settling into the squad easily, according to Garcia.

“He is physically well, as we suspected,” the former Roma, Lille and Lyon boss said. “As I often think, the greatest champions are the easiest to manage.

“He’s melted into the squad. He’s been laughing and joking with his new team-mates.

“He was with us or the last match, even if he couldn’t play. He was in the changing room and he celebrated the goal. He’s totally with his team.”

Ronaldo has been unable to make his debut for Al-Nassr due to suspension.