Cristiano Ronaldo still ‘best player & most important name in football’ as Jhon Duran gives huge billing to his iconic Al-Nassr team-mate

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo is about to celebrate his 40th birthday. He is showing no sign of slowing down, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remaining a prolific presence for club and country. He now has another goal-scorer alongside him in Riyadh, with Duran moving to the Saudi Pro League from Premier League side Aston Villa.

The Colombia international is delighted to have joined CR7 in the Middle East, telling Al-Nassr’s official DAZN channel: “I’m really happy to play with and learn from the best player in the world. He’s the best sportsperson in the world. I think he’s the best footballer.

“I’m really happy that I can learn from him and have this chance in my career to work with such a huge star. I hope that I can see some action soon and learn everything that he can teach me and follow in his footsteps, which is the most important thing.”

Duran has penned a lucrative contract with Al-Nassr, but insists that he has moved to Saudi Arabia for the sporting project rather than any financial gain. He added: “I’m really happy to join this league. This league is heading in an important direction in the world. I think there are many stars from Europe who were at big teams in Europe who are now here.

“There’s [ex-Liverpool star Roberto] Firmino and many other big names. There’s the biggest name and I’ll be working with him. He’s the most important name in the league and in football, in the entire history of the game.”

Ronaldo has been the biggest name in the Saudi Pro League since making his own move to Al-Nassr in 2023. He is expected to extend a contract that is due to expire in the summer, taking him through to the 2026 World Cup finals.