Following the removal of the French manager at Al-Nassr on April 13, Cristiano Ronaldo left a heartfelt note to Rudi Garcia.
Garcia left the Saudi club after only eight months as the team’s head coach as a result of the team’s poor form, which was made worse by their expensive tie with Al-Feiha.
“Al Nassr can announce that head coach Rudi Garcia has left the club by mutual agreement,” the club said in a statement on their Twitter feed, as quoted by MEN.
“The board and everyone at Al Nassr would like to thank Rudi and his staff for their dedicated work during the past eight months.”
Aside from the club’s downward spiral in form, Spanish publication, Marca reports that a fight with his players in the dressing room also contributed to the 59-year-old’s dismissal from the job.
What was Ronaldo’s reaction?
Despite the reported friction between Ronaldo and Rudi Garcia, the former took time out of his schedule to send a thoughtful message to his former boss.
“Pleasure to have worked with you. Wishing you all the best for the future,” Ronaldo posted on his Instagram story.
CRISTIANO on Instagram:
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) April 13, 2023
"Pleasure to have worked with you. Wishing you all the best for the future." pic.twitter.com/PV8iRpxJKs
Ronaldo blamed for Garcia’s sack
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been criticised by supporters for apparently causing the dismissal of Garcia as Al-Nassr head coach.
The 59-year-old tactician was reportedly shown the door less than a year after taking up the role as coach of the Riyadh outfit.
It was also reported Ronaldo was being blamed by social media users for masterminding the exit of the Frenchman.
Rudi Garcia fumes at Ronaldo
Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Garcia hitting out at Ronaldo and his teammates after Al-Nassr dropped valuable points in a damaging draw with Al-Feiha last Sunday.
The French tactician did not hold back when expressing his disappointment with his charges, as they lost further ground to league leaders, Al-Ittihad on the standings.
With seven games to spare, Al-Nassr needs their rivals to stumble in subsequent games to stand any chance of claiming a first league crown since the 2018/19 season.