Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus has aimed a playful “still hasn’t won anything in Saudi Arabia” jibe at fellow Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Ronaldo headed to the Middle East in 2023Jesus returned to Riyadh for second spellCR7 remains a force for good in world footballFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo became a trendsetter – not for the first time in his iconic career – when completing a move to the Middle East in 2023. He has been followed to the Saudi Pro League by several familiar faces.
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Jesus forms part of that group, with the former Sporting and Benfica coach returning to Al-Hilal for a second spell in July 2023. He won the Saudi Pro League title in his debut campaign and has also savoured King Cup and Super Cup triumphs.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Ronaldo has just one Arab Club Champions Cup win to his name during a goal-laden stint with Al-Nassr, and has been reminded of his lack of tangible success by a fellow countryman that remains a big fan of what the self-proclaimed GOAT of world football brings to the game.
WHAT JORGE JESUS SAID
Jesus has told : “We don't have time to meet in Saudi Arabia. We were already friends in Portugal. I met him more times in Portugal than in Saudi Arabia. He is a reference, the pride of the Portuguese. The first time I arrived here, they knew Ronaldo, not Portugal. The billboards in the middle of the city only showed Ronaldo, and that was six years ago. In Portugal, they don't value him much for the image he brings.
“Working with him? I don't think it will be possible anymore. He is an example at 40 years old. In one of the last games we played, I said 'how does he run so much at 39, he is fast and super motivated?' He lacks nothing. He has won everything in sporting terms, the only thing he hasn't been is a World Cup winner with the national team, and he still hasn't won anything in Saudi Arabia!”