Ronaldo cries 'intensely' after being substituted on Al-Nassr comeback; here's why
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly requested to be substituted at half-time during Al-Nassr’s 3-2 comeback win over Al-Ettifaq, with Saudi journalist Khalid Al-Shanif claiming the star was “crying intensely” afterward. Ange Postecoglou said Ronaldo was always scheduled to play 45 minutes as his fitness is managed. Ronaldo then watched from the bench as Al-Nassr overturned a two-goal deficit.
Al-Nassr managed a dramatic comeback to defeat Al-Ettifaq 3-2 in the Saudi Pro League, despite being reduced to 10 men just 12 minutes into the match. Defending champions Al-Nassr were two goals behind at halftime, with goalkeeper Bento receiving his marching orders. Manager Ange Postecoglou, making his first start since the World Cup, was forced to make substitutions, starting with Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time.
Ronaldo, 41, left the pitch in frustration, only to be substituted later in the second half. Postecoglou's tactical decisions paid off as Sadio Mane and Abdulelah Al Amri scored within three minutes to level the score with 13 minutes remaining. Former Liverpool forward Mane then secured the win for Al-Nassr with a goal in added time.
The victory propelled Al-Nassr to the top of the standings after three consecutive wins this season. Postecoglou, who took over the team last month after being dismissed by Forest following just 39 days, expressed pride in his players, stating that every substitute made a positive impact. He explained that he opted for a different approach, explaining that while Ronaldo had performed well in the first half, he believed the new players could make a difference.
Postecoglou added that Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and father of Georgina Rodriguez, who he married recently, has indicated this could be his final season as a player.
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