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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Santos praised Ronaldo's Saudi move</li><li>Compared Al-Nassr to European clubs</li><li>Al-Nassr face Al-Akhdoud on Thursday</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Al-Nassr is no different to European clubs' - Cristiano Ronaldo hailed for 'securing his future' with 'incredible' move to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Pro League

Al Nassr FC

Al Fateh FC

<p>The 2016 European Championship-winning coach spoke highly of Ronaldo as he praised the 39-year-old's decision to move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 and "secure his future". Santos also boldly claimed that Al-Nassr is "no different" from any club in the European game.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Speaking on Egyptian Channel 1 (via <a href="https://www.ojogo.pt/3310610443/fernando-santos-ronaldo-no-banco-ele-respeitava-a-minha-visao/" target="_blank"><em>OJogo</em></a>), Santos said: "Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr is an incredible decision, but it is a unique experience, and Al Nassr is no different to European clubs. The atmosphere in Saudi football is wonderful. Cristiano is a world-class player and was looking to secure his future." </p>

WHAT FERNANDO SANTOS SAID

<p>Ronaldo has faced <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-humiliated-ligue-1-account-lionel-messi-comparison-al-nassr-forward-claimed-saudi-pro-league-superior-french-top-flight/blt9e394a0b3e08b5c3#cs4409a8e7b0035ac5" target="_blank">criticism and trolling</a> over his jibe at Ligue 1 during his speech at the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/france-only-psg-cristiano-ronaldo-insists-saudi-pro-league-superior-finished-ligue-1/blt109c32cd8cd619e8" target="_blank">Globe Soccer Awards last month</a>, where he said: "The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, of course. I'm not saying that because I play here. I don't care what people think about it. Players should come here and they will see quickly. Just try to do sprints at 38, 39, 40 degrees...Come and you will see. If you don't believe me, come. In France, they only have PSG, everyone else is finished. Nobody can beat them because they have the most money and the best players." </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star is all set to take to the field for Al-Nassr this week after a well-earned winter break. The Saudi giants will face Al-Akhdoud in a league clash on Thursday.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

'Al-Nassr is no different to European clubs' - Cristiano Ronaldo hailed for 'securing his future' with 'incredible' move to Saudi Arabia | Goal.com South Africa

Former Portugal coach Fernando Santos has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo for &apos;securing his future&apos; by moving to Saudi Arabia. 

&apos;Al-Nassr is no different to European clubs&apos; - Cristiano Ronaldo hailed for &apos;securing his future&apos; with &apos;incredible&apos; move to Saudi Arabia