Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t lower a really completely happy determine as his facet Al-Nassr fell to a 1-0 defeat to Al-Ittihad. Ronaldo was denied a objective within the match, making it the second time in a row that the Portuguese nice has failed to seek out the again of the online. Al-Ittihad goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe had parried away a fierce shot from the Portugal famous person in harm time.
Al-Ittihad’s followers taunted Ronaldo all through the match, repeatedly chanting the identify of his rival, Lionel Messi. Ronaldo, who has scored eight targets in seven league video games this season, took off his captain’s armband earlier than leaving the pitch and seemed set to throw it, earlier than regaining his composure. He proceeded to kick water bottles on the touchline. However, he additionally applauded the Al-Nassr supporters earlier than leaving the sphere of play.
Ronaldo gesticulated in direction of the Al-Ittihad followers a number of instances throughout the match as properly in response to their taunts.
The Portugal captain later thanked the Al-Nassr followers in a tweet. “Disappointed with the result, but we stay focused on our season and the games ahead. Thank you Al Nassr fans for your support, we know we can count on you!” he stated within the tweet.
Brazilian Romarinho scored 10 minutes from time to seal victory for Al-Ittihad, who leapfrogged Al-Nassr to take high spot within the league desk. The chants from Al-Ittihad followers comes amid rising hypothesis about Messi doubtlessly becoming a member of Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, albeit for a unique crew. The Argentine, who accomplished a glittering profession resume final yr by lifting the World Cup in Qatar, will go to for a vacation, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib stated.
“I am happy to welcome our Tourism Ambassador… and his family and friends this month… to enjoy our most beautiful tourism destinations, connect with our people and enjoy unique experiences!” Al-Khatib stated on Twitter. The news got here hours earlier than the exit of Messi’s French membership Paris St Germain from the European Champions League on Wednesday.
The oil-rich nation appointed Messi its tourism ambassador final yr, and he visited Jeddah in May, earlier than returning in January to play a pleasant match with PSG towards a crew of Saudi League stars, when he confronted Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s take care of Al-Nasr sealed final yr — broadly reported to be value greater than 200 million euros over 2 1/2 years — led to rumours of a renewed rivalry with Messi within the Saudi League, after native media reported Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad’s curiosity in signing the world champion. The Saudi Sport web site reported on Wednesday that Al-Hilal had already made him a “huge offer” to affix as soon as his contract with PSG ends in June.
Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com
