Iranian fans went crazy when welcoming Ronaldo
According to a video posted on social network X, hundreds of local fans chased the car carrying Al Nassr. Many fans held posters with Ronaldo's photo and wore jerseys.
In another video, hundreds of fans rushed into the hotel lobby where Al Nassr was staying, chanting "Ronaldo". Meanwhile, CR7 smiled contentedly as he was escorted to his room by a security guard. Following him were the remaining members of Al Nassr and the coaching staff.
The hotel reserved a floor for Al Nassr and a separate room for Ronaldo. Previously, when landing at Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran, CR7 received a typical Iranian gift of a Persian carpet. Ronaldo and Al Nassr also received another special gift, a SIM card that allowed them unlimited internet access during their stay. According to the Daily Mail, this is something Iranian citizens cannot have, because thousands of websites, messaging services and global social networks are blocked.
Due to too many fans, Al Nassr had to cancel training on the same day.
Al Nassr will meet host Persepolis on the evening of September 19, at Aazdi Stadium. The stadium will not welcome spectators, due to the penalty stemming from a social media post before the match between Persepolis and FC Goa (India) in the 2021-2022 season. The post cited Iran's attack on India between 1738 and 1740 as well as historic battles between the two countries. This message offended the Indian people and the country's Football Federation complained to the Asian Football Confederation, which imposed a fine on Persepolis.
Last season, Persepolis did not compete in the Asian Cups. Therefore, they must execute the penalty in the opening match of the AFC Champions League against Al Nassr this season. In recent days, many Persepolis fans have apologized on FC Goa's account, in an effort to have the last-minute penalty lifted. However, AFC has not yet made any move to "amnesty".
Al Nassr is the first Saudi Arabian club to come to Iran in seven years. The two countries were once very tense, but an agreement in March restored relations.
In addition to Persepolis and Al Nassr, Group E also includes Al Duhail (Qatar) and FC Istiklol (Tajikistan). Al Nassr won tickets to the AFC Champions League thanks to finishing second in the Saudi Pro League last season. In the preliminary round on August 22, Ronaldo and his teammates won 4-2 against Shabab Al Ahli (UAE).
