Jorge Jesus has entertained Cristiano Ronaldo, reminding his Portuguese colleagues that he has not yet won a major trophy in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo, who returned 40 last week, has enjoyed a silver career, winning seven league titles in spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, as well as five Champions League crown and Euro 2016 with Euro 2016 .
Add to five Ballons d’Or and you might understand why Ronaldo considers himself as the greatest player of all time.
Eyes on the alachli. Thursday is waiting. pic.twitter.com/O9GPGLDQ6C
– Alnassr FC (@ALNASSRFC_EN) Feb 1025 1025
The success in Saudi Arabia has avoided him so far after his transition to Al-Nassr in 2023.
Former Athletic CP and Benfica Boss Jesus has done better, returning for a second spell at Al-Hilal in July 2023 and immediately won the Pro League title.
All Ronaldo has managed is the minimally recognized Arabic Cup Champions Cup.
Jesus full of admiration for Ronaldo
Nevertheless, Jesus remains a huge Ronaldo fan and what he has done for the game.
He said to Canal 11: “We don’t have time to meet in Saudi Arabia. We were already friends in Portugal. I met him more often in Portugal than in Saudi Arabia.
“The first time I arrived here, they knew Ronaldo, not Portugal. The billboards in the middle of the city showed only Ronaldo and that was six years ago. In Portugal, they didn’t appreciate him so much for the image he brings.”
‘He has won nothing in Saudi Arabia’
Jesus, who is now 70 years old, accepts that he is unlikely to manage Ronaldo, as they both come towards the end of their career and could not resist a little excavation at the expense of the striker.
He added: “Work with him? I don’t think it will be possible anymore. It’s an example at the age of 40. In one of the last games we played, I said” How is it so much on 39, is it fast and super motivation? “
“He has nothing. He has won everything in athletic terms, the only thing he was not a World Cup winner with the national team and has won nothing in Saudi Arabia! ”
Al-Nassr is third in the Pro League, six points behind the second al-Hilal. Ronaldo and Co are then in action on Thursday when they face Al-Ahli.
