10 February 2023 , 08:30
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Cristiano Ronaldo may have recently turned 38, but he still has plenty to give.
It took Ronaldo a few games to settle into his new surroundings after arriving in Saudi Arabia. He failed to score in his first two matches. His side were dumped out of the Saudi Cup. And his first goal came from the penalty spot, and only earned Al-Nassr a draw.
This time it felt different. On Thursday night Al-Nassr hosted struggling Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League and they used their superstar forward to full effect, laying waste to their opponents.
Ronaldo scored four times and looked every bit the player the Riyadh-based side thought they were getting when they agreed to pay him a staggering £172million per year.
When his Manchester United contract was terminated by mutual agreement in December, Ronaldo might not have pictured himself playing in the King Abdul Aziz Stadium, but he probably did picture himself plundering hatfuls of goals.
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It was incredibly easy for him on Thursday night against Al-Wehda. He opened the scoring with a run in the left channel and a deadly left-footed finish across the goalkeeper. He made it 2-0 with a simple run in behind and a finish from the keeper’s legs.
His hat-trick – the 61st of his career – came courtesy of a penalty conceded by an inexplicable handball. And his fourth was somehow even easier, the goalkeeper pushing his initial effort straight back to him for a simple rebound.
Cristiano Ronaldo whipped out his "SIUUU" celebration (Sky Football)HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Cristiano Ronaldo return to Europe? Comment below.
This being Ronaldo, it was not anything new. In fact it was the eighth time he had scored four in a game. For the record, he’s also scored five in a game twice – both for Real Madrid in 2015.
Ronaldo got to wheel out his trademark “SIUUUU” celebration, took in the applause of his adoring fans and looked content with the win, which took Al-Nassr back to the top of the table. But watching how easy it is for him, it is hard to believe he doesn’t have aspirations of returning to Europe.
"I broke all the records there (in Europe) and I want to break a few records here," he said upon joining Al-Nassr. "I'm coming here to win, to play, to enjoy, to be part of the success of the country and culture of the country.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored five goals in four games for Al-Nassr (Noor Abdelfatah/Getty Images)"In Europe, my work is done," he added. "I had many offers in Europe, many in Brazil, Australia, the US, even in Portugal. Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club, for the opportunity to have not only football but (to be) part of this amazing country. And for me, it was a challenge."
Just weeks later, though, Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia gave a more believable assessment of his prize possession’s thoughts. “He is one of the best players in the world," he said. "He will not finish his career at Al-Nassr, he will return to Europe.”
On this evidence, Ronaldo will soon tire with the ease of his current work life. To be challenged, he may need to go back on his word.