14 January 2023 , 11:44
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Carlo Ancelotti believes that Cristiano Ronaldo has made the "right decision" by moving to Saudi Arabia after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was confirmed as an Al-Nassr player last month.
The 37-year-old penned a new two-and-a-half year contract in the Middle-East in a deal worth around £173million per year - the most lucrative contract in world football. He was unveiled at Al-Nassr on January 3 but is yet to play a competitive game for the club, having been banned for two matches after hitting a phone out of a child's hand following Manchester United's defeat by Everton last season.
Ronaldo saw his Red Devils contract terminated back in November after conducting an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, during which he slammed the club, the Glazers and Erik ten Hag. He claimed that he did not have any "respect" for the Dutchman, which was the final straw in Ten Hag's eyes, and the experienced forward was left looking for a new adventure before joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Following Ronaldo's big-money move to the Middle East, his former boss, Ancelotti, has spoken about the transfer, with Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia to compete in the Spanish Super Cup. Ancelotti worked with Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabau and believes the striker is "complete".
He said in a press conference ahead of the Super Cup final against Barcelona : "Ronaldo is complete, very motivated. He likes the place and the country. He is highly motivated and has made the right decision."
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Los Blancos face Barcelona on Sunday evening in Riyadh and Ancelotti's men will be boosted by the return of talisman Karim Benzema, who is set to return from injury for the game. Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga, Eder Militao and Lucas Vazquez are unavailable for selection through injury.
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Carlo Ancelotti attends a press conference in Riyadh ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final (Getty Images)Ancelotti added: "Benzema is back. He is very motivated. it is too important a piece for us. The team knew how to make up for his absence and he will help us a lot in this second half.
"When we have injuries we worry. But apart from the two who have stayed in Madrid and Lucas, the rest are fine. Camavinga has recovered well and Militao will train without problems. It's hard for you to recover an extension but we'll get to the game well."
Real Madrid and Barcelona are embroiled in a two-way battle for the La Liga title this season, having lost a combined three games across a total of 32 matches. Although the Super Cup final isn't a league game, it is a chance to lift silverware - but Ancelotti is not getting ahead of himself.
He said: "This thought of winning the six titles is not in our heads. We want to fight in all competitions and matches. That is what we have to do. Do not think about something very complicated and difficult. You have to follow step by step and reach the end of the season well."