Cristiano Ronaldo will make his Saudi Arabian debut with an exhibition team against Paris Saint-Germain in a friendly match that might pit him against Lionel Messi, according to Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia.
Following Manchester United’s defeat against Everton in April, the attacker received a punishment from the Football Association for knocking a phone out of a young fan’s hand.
Delaying Ronaldo’s eagerly anticipated debut, which is now slated to occur in a showcase match against PSG in Riyadh on January 19 has complicated Garcia’s planning for domestic goals
The 58-year-old clarified, “It won’t be with the Al Nassr jersey.”
“A combination of Al Hilal and Al Nassr will be used.
“As the coach of Al Nassr, I cannot be happy with this match. For development, to see PSG, to see the great Parisian players, indeed it is a good thing. But we have a championship game three days later.”
Garcia has also stated that one of his tasks is to assist Ronaldo in rediscovering his love for the game after a trying year.
“The only thing I want is for him to enjoy playing football again and smile,” he said.
“In recent months, between Manchester United, the national team and also at a private level, he has not had easy moments.
“If he finds the pleasure of playing again, a good goal will be achieved.”
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