Cristiano Ronaldo defends Joao Felix’s Al Nassr transfer amid Portugal controversy: ‘No one stole something’

The Saudi Professional League secured one other high-profile signing this summer season from European soccer. Joao Felix left Chelsea to affix Al Nassr, prioritizing that chance over others, corresponding to a return to Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo spoke firmly on the matter.

After scoring a hat-trick in Al Nassr’s pleasant towards Rio Ave, Ronaldo held a press convention the place he addressed a number of matters. Amongst them, he was requested in regards to the opinion that the Saudi membership had “stolen” Felix from Benfica, one other membership curious about signing him.

“Stealing? That’s a harsh phrase! No one stole something from anybody,” CR7 reacted, then went on to clarify what the previous Barcelona and Chelsea ahead can supply Al Nassr. “Everybody is aware of Joao, he has plenty of expertise. He’s going to assist us quite a bit in a Saudi league that could be very aggressive.”

When requested whether or not he himself influenced Felix’s choice, Ronaldo was blunt. “I don’t name anybody. You had been those who stated that,” he stated, pointing on the press. “I don’t name anybody, that’s not my position. My position is to coach, to play properly, to attain objectives if attainable. However choosing up the telephone and calling somebody isn’t a part of my job.”

Cristiano chooses Saudi Arabia over Portugal

In the identical press convention, Ronaldo defined why he believes Joao Felix has a shiny future at Al Nassr. “I already stated it and I’ve no drawback repeating it: I sincerely imagine it was a greater possibility for Felix to go to Saudi Arabia than to play within the Portuguese league,” CR7 said.

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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner didn’t hesitate to put the Saudi Professional League above the Primeira Liga, even when his phrases won’t sit properly with Portuguese followers—and even a few of his personal nationwide workforce teammates.

“I feel it was the precise choice, even when he’s not enjoying within the Champions League or if folks say he’s too younger to go to Saudi Arabia,” Cristiano stated of Felix. “You don’t know since you don’t play there, you’re not current, and also you don’t know the tempo that’s lived there.”

Lastly, Ronaldo pushed again towards the narrative that downplays the extent of the Saudi Professional League: “You solely discover it when going through Arab groups or on the Membership World Cup. Actually, that’s my opinion and I stand by it—not as a result of I’m there and wish to enhance it, however as a result of simply have a look at the variety of stars, the high-level gamers, and the competitiveness.”