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Ronaldo Continues to Impress in Saudi Football
In recent statements, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his commitment to continuing to perform at a high level in Saudi football, revealing that he has been logging significant distances during matches. He noted, “If you compare my GPS data from English football to Saudi football, I run even more, but with the difference that I run in 40 degrees [Celsius].” This remark underscores the challenging conditions athletes face in the region, highlighting Ronaldo’s adaptability and conditioning.
Despite the demanding circumstances, Ronaldo maintains that he is in excellent physical shape, asserting, “Both Cristiano and I proved today that Saudi football has quality.” His comments reflect a growing confidence in the competitive standards of the league, suggesting that international players can thrive amid unique challenges.
Ronaldo’s new goal of reaching 1,000 career goals also seems plausible, as teammate Ruben Neves remarked, “With Cristiano, anything is possible.” This optimism reinforces the belief in Ronaldo’s enduring capabilities, even as he approaches newer challenges.
Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, previously noted that Ronaldo was benched for a recent match against Croatia due to the demanding schedule, stating: “Cristiano can’t play two 90-minute games so close together at his age.” Martinez emphasized the need to manage players’ workloads carefully, stating, “It’s September, he’s played three games for the club. The important thing is that we need to protect all the players.”
Martinez praised Ronaldo’s dedication, stating, “I liked his commitment. He’s an incredible player.” This acknowledgment from the coach demonstrates Ronaldo’s continued influence and importance to the team, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.
In the match against Croatia, Ronaldo played a crucial role in setting up a goal through a cross from Nuno Mendes, who had been substituted into the game. Mendes echoed the coach’s sentiments, emphasizing that it was a team effort that led to their hard-fought victory after coming back from an early goal by Scott McTominay. The final score was 2-1.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes also contributed to the win, scoring the equalizer in the second half. While he celebrated the victory, he humbly stated that it was “not a perfect” 30th birthday, expressing a preference for a less strenuous match. Nonetheless, he recognized Ronaldo’s impact, observing, “Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence is always the same, regardless of whether he starts the game or starts on the bench.”
Overall, these insights reflect not just the evolution of Ronaldo’s career but also the deeper narrative of how seasoned players are adapting to new environments while continuing to make substantial impacts on their teams.
Source
www.bbc.com