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Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut in Saudi Arabia will be as part of an exhibition side in a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain, which could pit him against Lionel Messi.
The forward has been serving a Football Association suspension for knocking a phone out of a young supporter’s hand following Manchester United’s defeat at Everton in April.
It has delayed Ronaldo’s much-anticipated bow, which is now expected to come in a showcase match with PSG in Riyadh on January 19, complicating Garcia’s planning for domestic objectives.
“It won’t be with the Al Nassr jersey,” the 58-year-old explained. “It will be a mix between Al Hilal and Al Nassr.
“As the coach of Al Nassr, I cannot be happy with this match. For development, to see PSG, to see the great Parisian players, indeed it is a good thing. But we have a championship game three days later.
“In terms of scheduling, it could have been better thought out. But it’s not a big deal… We are in the lead, we are happy. It is a difficult championship to win, but we intend to do it.”
Garcia has also indicated his task is to help Ronaldo fall in love with the game again after a turbulent year.
“The only thing I want is for him to enjoy playing football again and smile,” he said.
“In recent months, between Manchester United, the national team and also at a private level, he has not had easy moments.
“If he finds the pleasure of playing again, a good goal will be achieved.”
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Ronaldo celebrated Al Nassr’s most recent win while cycling topless in the dressing room
Garcia compared Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia to Pele’s transformative link-up with the New York Cosmos in 1975, which sparked massive interest in football in the United States.
“It’s a bit like Pele’s arrival, especially for the development of football, sport and culture in Saudi Arabia,” Garcia said.
“It’s great. Great for us, for Al-Nassr. Great for Saudi Arabia,” said Frenchman Garcia. “Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a player. He is one of the best players in the world.
“It’s amazing how much it’s put a spotlight on our club. Now everyone knows where our club is around the world.
“We must have gone from 800,000 to 10m [followers] in a few hours, a few days, because of Cristiano’s arrival.”
Ronaldo greeted Al Nassr fans at the airport as he arrived in Saudi Arabia
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