Ibrahim Al-Issa has backed Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr to beat Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League Clasico this weekend. He believes the defending champions go into the game with a stable squad and hold the edge.
Speaking ahead of the Saudi Pro League clash, Al-Issa said Ange Postecoglou’s side have started well under the new manager, making them the favourites for the game. He added that Cristiano Ronaldo also makes them a better side and said:
Thanks for the submission!
“Al-Nassr is more stable and more harmonious, has a good coach, and we saw them perform well in the previous match. There are several elements in Al-Nassr that can make a difference in the match, such as Joao Felix and Sadio Mane, in addition to the presence of a number of other stars.”
“In addition, the presence of top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo is very important, as experience plays a major role in such matches, and this is what we saw in previous matches between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad.”
Postecoglou spoke about working with Cristiano Ronaldo, saying that he is delighted to work with the Portugal captain. He wants to be a part of the forward’s success story and said:
“The fact I’m going to share a dressing room with one of the greats, I make no sort of secrets about it – it was one of the enticements of the job. So, there’s no doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo’s here, you kind of go ‘I can become a small part of his story as well’. And not from a selfish point of view, but for my own kind of life’s journey, of everything I wanted to do since I was a kid … that was part of the attraction. Not that they’ll tell my story alongside it, but I can tell that story, and that was a part of it as well.”
Ronaldo has started well with the Saudi Pro League side, scoring two goals in three matches this season.
What next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr ended the league title drought last season and won their first major title since the Portugal captain joined in 2022. He played a key role, scoring 28 goals in his 30 league appearances.
However, the forward has hinted that he could call it time on his career at the end of the season. He is in the final year of his contract with Al-Nassr and has not opened talks over a new deal.
Edited by Sripad
