Al Nassr CEO insists Cristiano Ronaldo 'doesn't run the club' but football icon has one key role behind the scenes
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Al Nassr chief executive Guido Fienga insists Cristiano Ronaldo 'doesn't control the club' but is tasked with one key area at the club.
The Saudi Pro League club welcomed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in January 2023 after his exit from Manchester United, giving him both the captain's armband and an eye-watering salary.
Fast forward to now, and Al Nassr have just sacked managed Luis Castro after just one win in three league games, replacing him with Italian Stefano Pioli.
As a result, claims of Ronaldo having influence over decisions both on the pitch and off it have arisen. However, Fienga insists that isn't the case.
In an interview with Asharq Sports, as per Portuguese outletA Bola, he said: "Cristiano Ronaldo is our captain and the strongest player in the world.
"Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't control the club, but obviously, being number one in the world, he gives us directions on the path we should follow and what goals we have to achieve."
Fienga went on to explain Ronaldo helps them with one particular key aspect of running the club – becoming winners.
"He is a winner," the Saudi club chief continued. "We ask him to teach us how to win and this year we want to win with him and achieve the biggest goals possible.
"Cristiano is part of the team and we are very happy to be able to count on him."
39-year-old Ronaldo has made 69 appearances for the club.
He's netted 62 goals in that time as well, as well as grabbing 17 assists.
Al Nassr won their first Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 courtesy of the ex-Manchester United forward's brace in the final against rivals Al Hilal.
Currently, they sit seventh in the league following their slow start.
Castro was sacked after their last game, the 1-1 draw with Iraqi said Al Shorta in the AFC Champions League Elite.
And new boss Pioli will hope to lead his new side to all three points against Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq on Friday
