Stefano Pioli provides Cristiano Ronaldo fitness update ahead of Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League clash
Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli has provided an update regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness, ahead of their upcoming AFC Champions League clash. The Knights of Najd are set to face fellow Saudi Pro League side Al-Gharafa in the group stage of the continental competition on November 25 at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Ronaldo was one of the better players in their last match against Al-Qadsiah, but the Portuguese icon could not lead them to a win. Despite scoring his seventh goal of the league campaign in that game, Al-Nassr lost 2-1 and currently sit in third place on the table.
With games coming in hard and fast, questions have been raised about Ronaldo's fitness and availability for their next match. Stefano Piolo has spoken about this, telling the press ahead of the Al-Gharafa clash (via Al Nassr Zone on X):
“Today we have our last training session and if he is ready he will be present for tomorrow's match.”
This season, Ronaldo has been instrumental in their AFC Champions League campaign. He has led them to win in all three games he has played in, scoring a goal each against Al-Rayyan and Al-Ain.
Jose Mourinho puts an end to rumors about Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr exit and move to Turkey
Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho has put an end to rumors claiming he could seek out a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Al-Nassr superstar is currently nearing the final six months of his contract, which will expire in the summer of 2025.
Reports had claimed that the two, who worked together at Real Madrid over a decade ago, could reunite once more if Fenerbahce sign Ronaldo. It is believed that the manager reached out to the Portuguese legend, asking (via GOAL):
"Are you happy there? It’s being rumoured that you want to leave. If you go, would you like to come to Fenerbahce?"
However, Jose Mourinho has laughed off these rumors. When asked about it, he said to reporters (via GOAL):
"News about Cristiano Ronaldo to Fenerbahce are ridiculous. Cristiano might come to Istanbul to eat because it's right in the middle of the road between Saudi and Portugal. Or maybe he'll come see his old friend Jose, we can eat at my hotel!"
While the duo were at Real Madrid, they won La Liga, the Supercopa de Espana, and the Copa del Rey. However, a reunion does not look to be on the cards. It is more likely that Cristiano Ronaldo could sign an extension on his contract with Al-Nassr, as the 39-year-old looks to continue chasing towards the 1000-career goal milestone.
