Cristiano Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr is “a bit like Pele’s arrival” at the New York Cosmos

Cristiano Ronaldo’s new club coach Rudi Garcia has compared the Portuguese star’s arrival at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia to Pele’s signing with the New York Cosmos in 1975.

Pele, who sadly passed away recently at the age of 82, came out of semi-retirement to spark an explosion of interest in soccer in the United States at the age of 34.

Veteran striker Ronaldo is not too different as he is coming off a bitter divorce with Manchester United after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.

Al-Nassr boss Rudi Garcia compares the acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo to the acquisition of Pele in the USA

Brazilian legend Pele (pictured) came out of semi-retirement to join the New York Cosmos in 1975

“It’s a bit like the arrival of Pele” in what was then the North American Soccer League, Garcia told AFP.

“Especially for the development of football, sports and culture in Saudi Arabia. ‘That’s great. Great for us, Al-Nassr. Great for Saudi Arabia.

– Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a player. He is one of the best players in the world.

Garcia was speaking at the Riyadh bivouac visit to Saudi Arabia’s Dakar Rally and, like Ronaldo’s expensive contract, has drawn criticism that the country’s leaders are “washing the sport” or trying to distract from the kingdom’s people. rights record.

Garcia (pictured) was speaking during a visit to the Dakar Rally bivouac in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“For the development of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, it is very, very important,” Garcia said. – If Dakar is here today, it shows that the country can do a lot in the development of sports and culture.

– It’s amazing how much it has put our club in the spotlight. Now everyone knows where our club is around the world.

“We must have gone from 800,000 (followers) to 10 million in a few hours, a few days, because of Cristiano’s arrival.”

Ronaldomade a 175 million year dealuntil 2025 with the Saudi Arabian giants, much to the delight of boss Garcia.

The star striker was on hand to watch his new team-mates oust Al-Ta’ee 2-0 on Friday night to maintain their grip at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

– The greatest champions are the easiest to control.He blended in. We saw him joking and laughing with joy with his new teammates.

– He was with us for the last game, even though he couldn’t play. He was in the dressing room riding a bike.

Cristiano Ronaldo watched the second half of Al-Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al-Ta’ee while riding an exercise bike in the changing rooms

Garcia has revealed that the club will respect Ronaldo’s suspension after he received a two-match FA ban for smashing an Everton fan’s phone last year – so will not select him for the next game, apart from the clash with Al-Shabab.

Instead, Ronaldo’s first Saudi appearance “will not be in an Al-Nassr shirt” but with Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr as he faces Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain and possibly Lionel Messi in an exhibition match. for January 19.

“As the coach of Al-Nassr, I cannot be satisfied with this match,” said Garcia, the former manager of two of PSG’s great rivals, Marseille and Lyon. “We have a league game three days later.”

Ronaldo could play in a team of Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal players in a friendly against PSG

Garcia also revealed that all he wants for the Portuguese forward is to “enjoy his football and keep smiling”.

– I just hope for Ronaldo that he finds the joy of playing and smiles again.

“These last few months between Manchester, the national team and then private, he hasn’t had an easy time.

“If he finds enjoyment in playing, that’s a goal already achieved.”