15 February 2024 , 00:34
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Cristiano Ronaldo debuted a new goal celebration after scoring for the first time in 2024.
The Portuguese megastar bagged the only goal of the game in the 81st minute to give his Al-Nassr side a 1-0 win away to Al-Fayha in the first leg of their Asian Champions League round-of-16 clash. Ronaldo, who turned 39 earlier this month, finished coolly past the hosts' 40-year-old goalkeeper after a give-and-go with teammate Marcelo Brozovic.
Instead of performing his signature 'Siu' celebration, Ronaldo ran towards the corner flag and jumped in the air before placing his hands on his chest with his head looking towards the sky. After that, the Al-Nassr captain cupped his ear and held out his hand, seemingly a gesture towards opposition supporters.
His goal gives Al-Nassr a slender advantage ahead of the second leg next Wednesday. Ronaldo has only played twice since the turn of the year, as an injury forced him to miss two mid-season friendlies in China before also being absent for the visit of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the Riyadh Season Cup, a friendly tournament.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid talisman was eventually fit for Al-Nassr's next match in the tournament, a clash with Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal. Ronaldo's rivals once again got the better of him and claimed a 2-0 victory, with the 39-year-old storming off after the trophy presentation, throwing his runners-up medal into the crowd.
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Clearly, the Portugal captain's passion is still there, with this summer's European Championships possibly being his final international tournament. At the recent Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo was asked about his retirement plans and replied: "Of course it will be soon, soon I mean 10 years more. No I am joking, I don't know, let's see."
Your turn! Is Cristiano Ronaldo still world class? Let us know your verdict in the comments section.
Cristiano Ronaldo landed his jump by standing with his hands on his chest (D Smart)With a staggering 20 goals in 18 games, Ronaldo is current the top goalscorer in the Saudi Arabian top flight. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also boasts 205 international caps, but in a private conversation with Portugal boss Roberto Martinez, he revealed his next major target.
"He was very close to 200 caps, something no other player had achieved before," Martinez recalled. "Of course the conversation we had is private, but I can reveal one of the things he told me. [I asked him] If reaching 200 caps would interest him and he told me, '250 interests me'."