How Saudi Pro League move has made Cristiano Ronaldo ‘better’ – with record-shattering Portugal superstar a ‘competitive animal’ that is ‘thirsty’ for more success

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner took the decision to head for the Middle East after being released by Premier League giants Manchester United. He signed the most lucrative contract in world football at Al-Nassr and paved the way for several more household names to join him in that region.

Any suggestion that Ronaldo was looking to take things easy by bidding farewell to elite competition in Europe has been countered by a sensational return of 64 goals through 70 appearances – including 50 in all competitions last season.

Ronaldo is now 39 years of age, but he is showing no sign of slowing down and Carvalhal has explained how a completely new challenge has helped to make the all-time great a more complete player. The former Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday boss has told The Sun: “I think going to Saudi was the best decision he could make because now he is more relaxed, not under so much pressure and enjoying himself. This is a different player, whose contribution to the team is better. In the friendly against Ireland before the Euros, his body image was saying, ‘Here I am, I want to help my country’. Cristiano was much more involved in building the attack, not just wanting to be the one who scored the goals when he got near the box. He is intelligent and knows he doesn’t have the capacity to beat a defender in a one-on-one in the same explosive way as the past. He can do but it’s not really his game any more. You can see he is offering more in the build-ups. He is clever and has adapted to help the team.”

Carvalhal added on Ronaldo retaining the qualities that have carried him to the very top of the game: “His own performance is obviously crucial to him, he’s a competitive animal, and is still scoring. The goals, assists and number of games he has played are the same as when he was in Europe, too, so he certainly isn’t frustrated. It doesn’t mean he won’t carry on scoring for Portugal. If you’re an opponent, you don’t want to be facing a thirsty, competitive, very confident Cristiano — and he is.”

Slovenia are the next side set to cross paths with Ronaldo. Portugal are preparing for a Euro 2024 last-16 showdown on Monday. Their talismanic captain failed to find the target during the group stage, leaving him on 130 goals for his country through 210 appearances.