Coach Al Nassr: 'I originally wanted to buy Messi'
At the press conference yesterday 2/1, when asked about Al Nassr signing Ronaldo, coach Garcia answered with a big smile: "Cristiano? I want to buy Messi first".
According to the Mirror (UK), Garcia's joke could jeopardize the relationship between him, the club and Ronaldo. For the past 13 years, Ronaldo has always considered Messi as a competitor. According to former head of football magazine France Football Thierry Marchand, CR7 even threatened to quit football if Messi won the Ballon d'Or in 2019.
After the joke, Garcia switched to praising Ronaldo: "I think any coach would be happy to coach a great star like Cristiano. Great players are the easiest to coach because they are very knowledgeable. I verified this with Francesco Totti in Rome."
Al Nassr's coach also shared about nearly coaching Ronaldo at Man Utd in November 2021. At that time, before choosing Ralf Rangnick to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Director of Football John Murtough and Technical Director Darren Fletcher met Garcia twice.
Garcia came to Saudi Arabia to lead Al Nassr from June 2022. Previously, the 58-year-old leader led Lille to win Ligue 1 and the French Cup in 2011, brought Marseille to the 2018 Europa League final and brought Lyon to the 2020 League Cup final. He once won a title of the best coach of the year. Ligue 1 and three titles of the best coach of the year in French football.
Al Nassr currently leads the Saudi Pro League with 26 points from 11 games, one point ahead of Al Shabab. They are also in the quarterfinals of the King Cup. If winning either title, Ronaldo's new club will participate in the AFC Chanpions League 2023-2024.
Ronaldo signed a contract with Al Nassr until June 2025. He will receive the highest salary in the world 75 million USD per year. Besides, he can earn up to 200 million more through advertising activities and being a brand representative.
According to former player Jamie Carragher, while Messi has just won the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo's choice to go to Asia is a sad end to his career. Ronaldo once wanted to continue playing in Europe, but could not find a suitable club.
Ronaldo had to leave Man Utd after an interview condemning the club and coach Ten Hag. On November 24, the two sides agreed to end the contract six months early. "Ronaldo ended his career in an interview with Piers Morgan and Messi won the World Cup. It was not the best way to leave," commented Carragher.
