Saudi club Al-Nasr adjusts its Shenzhen training camp after Ronaldo’s availability changes
Al-Nasr Football Club announced the postponement of two friendly fixtures against Chinese sides Shanghai Shenhua and Hangzhou Greentown due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s inability to participate. The decision was communicated by Al-Nasr’s press service, reflecting the club’s respect for Chinese fans and the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and China.
In the official statement, the club conveyed appreciation for the support shown by Chinese supporters, particularly those of Al-Nasr and its captain. The message underscored the mutual warmth extended to the team during its stay in Shenzhen, where the squad has been training and engaging with fans who have welcomed them with genuine enthusiasm. Despite the change in the match schedule, Al-Nasr affirmed its commitment to completing the planned training camp in Shenzhen as originally intended, emphasizing the positive relationship with the hometown club and the broader fan base.
The originally scheduled games featured Shanghai Shenhua, led by Russian manager Leonid Slutsky, slated for January 24, and Hangzhou Greentown, set for January 28. The postponements came as Ronaldo, who has played in 25 competitive matches for Al-Nasr this season, remains unavailable for these fixtures. During his tenure with the Saudi club, he has contributed a prolific tally of 24 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, underscoring his pivotal role in the squad’s offensive effectiveness.
Ronaldo’s legacy in club football is marked by five Ballon d’Or awards and a storied career with Real Madrid, where he established himself as the club’s all-time top scorer. His professional journey also includes spells with Manchester United, Juventus in Turin, and Sporting Lisbon, highlighting a career defined by outstanding achievements and influential performances at the highest levels of the game.
As for Ronaldo’s broader status, it is noted that he has indicated he does not plan to return to Portugal at this time, focusing his career and commitments with Al-Nasr and with his responsibilities to the team and its supporters across international competitions. The situation illustrates how professional schedules can adapt to player availability while aiming to honor fan expectations and maintain the integrity of a club’s training program.
Source: Al-Nasr press service.