After making his transfer to Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo has acknowledged the challenges he faced in adapting to the heat and timing of training schedules.
The Portuguese forward made the move in December 2022, embarking on a new phase of his professional career.
However, the extreme heat in Saudi Arabia proved to be a hurdle initially, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius during the summer. To combat this, training sessions are primarily conducted in the evening, a departure from the usual practice in European clubs.
Ronaldo conceded that it took him some time to acclimate to this difference but assured that he has now fully settled into his new environment.
“The biggest difference I have found in Saudi is obviously the heat and adapting schedules to train later in the day when it is cooler,” he said in his capacity as LiveScore ambassador. “But I have really gotten used to that now.
The fans here have been incredible to me, welcoming me, and those that follow me to continue on this amazing journey.
Every league and country is different and I am very proud to have experienced three different leagues in Europe (and won titles in them all).”
Following in Ronaldo’s footsteps, former Real Madrid skipper Karim Benzema and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante are also set to be part of the Saudi Pro League in the next campaign.
The Portuguese is excited about the arrival of more top-quality talent and believes that the league will develop immensely over the next few years.
“It hasn’t surprised me but it makes me really happy to see people all across the world now watching the Saudi Pro League. I believe the league will continue to develop and many more players from European leagues will come here to play,” he added.
After completing the 2022-23 Saudi Pro League campaign, Ronaldo will shift his focus to international football as he is set to return to action with Portugal against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 17, in a Euro 2024 qualifying fixture.