It hasn't been the ideal start to Cristiano Ronald's competitive football career in Saudi Arabia. While he joined Al-Nassr in a contract reportedly worth $200 million-per-year which has made him the world's highest paid footballer, he hasn't given the return on investment which the club would have liked. Ronaldo did manage to score a penalty in the team's 2-2 draw against Al Fateh but that remains his only goal in the Saudi League.
In a recent update, Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate Luiz Gustavo has admitted that Ronaldo's presence has made it "difficult" for the team. However, he added that his presence also gives a great advantage to the group.
"Certainly, the presence of Cristiano (Ronaldo) makes it difficult for us, as all teams seek to participate against him in the best possible way, and he gives motivation to everyone," Gustavo told RT Arabic.
"His presence at Al-Nassr gives a great advantage to the group because we learn from him every day, given the great capabilities he possesses, both technically and physically," the 35-year-old added.
Ronaldo was created for challenges: Gustavo
Even though the former Manchester United star has looked far from his peak form, his new colleague. at Al-Nassr reckons he will ace this new challenge.
"Cristiano Ronaldo was created for challenges and he always succeeds in them. And everyone here is waiting for what he will present. He has already scored his first goal and he, therefore, got rid of the pressure," the Brazilian said.
While Ronaldo's first match in the Asian country was a friendly game against a touring Paris Saint-Germain which had the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr, he did score a brace in this fixture leaving his fans pumped up and excited for his competitive stint.
However, he has failed to recreate that form in the matches which count.