Coach Garcia: 'Ronaldo danced to celebrate the penalty in practice'

In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport on August 18, Garcia said that he was fired by Al Nassr not because of Ronaldo. "I have a good relationship with Ronaldo, so I know why he is so successful," said the new Napoli coach. "Ronaldo always comes to practice first, leaves last, and does his best in training sessions. He danced to celebrate even when he scored a penalty in training, like he was playing a Champions League game."

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023, when Garcia's teachers and students topped the Saudi Pro League table. The team's performance then declined, so it only finished second in the 2022-2023 season, after Al Ittihad. In the last games of the season when he did not score, Ronaldo was unhappy, and once walked past Garcia without shaking the coach's hand.

Three days later, Al Nassr announced his early termination of Garcia's contract. According to Goal, Ronaldo was a reason why the 59-year-old coach was fired. However, he denied this and said only good things about the old game. "He's a leader, always pulling the team forward," he added.

Al Nassr started the new season better with the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup championship, after defeating Al Hilal 2-1 in the final on August 12, under the new coach Luis Castro. Mr. Castro from Portugal, supported by Ronaldo to succeed Garcia.

Garcia was signed by Napoli after the Italian club parted ways with coach Luciano Spalletti. The French coach praised striker Victor Osimhen and said that he has many qualities like Ronaldo. "Osimhen also always wants to win and this point is similar to Ronaldo," Garcia said. "When the home team won, Osimhen was very happy and took pictures with his teammates. Not only did he attack, he also helped the team defend and put pressure on the opponent. Osimhen is the best striker in the world right now."

Ronaldo is expected to play his first match in the Saudi League 2023-2024 against Al Taawoun, because Al Nassr lost his opening match without him.

The defending champion Napoli will play the first match of Serie A against Frosinone at 23:30 on Saturday 19/8, Hanoi time.