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Cristiano Ronaldo was on the losing side for Al-Nassr after facing Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad, as the two former Real Madrid colleagues came face-to-face in Saudi Arabia
Karim Benzema has insisted there is no animosity between himself and former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after the pair went head-to-head in Saudi Arabia’s King Cup of Nations last month. The pair were reunited in Saudi following nine years together in the Spanish capital.
The Frenchman and Portugal star formed part of the famous attacking trio alongside Gareth Bale. The trio led Los Blancos to glory and countless goals and trophies – often overcoming rivals Barcelona. Their careers eventually took them to the Middle East, but this time as rivals.
Since Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in 2023, the pair have faced each other several times. During their King Cup of Nations’ meeting last month, Ronaldo’s side were beaten 2-1.
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On the pitch, both players remained focussed on their duties, but were later subject of press speculation with suggestions of frostiness between them. However, in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS this week, Benzema was told he greeted Ronaldo in a ‘very cold’ manner.
But the 37-year-old quickly brushed aside any assumptions, declaring: “No, please. We had talked in the locker room,” Benzema said.
“We hug, we talk… then in the field we can’t or we don’t have to do it again. The same thing again? There is a lot of respect, we are fine. We don’t need to teach anything. We’re fine.
“We have both learned from each other. It seems like we have to say things or do things in front of the television. It’s not like that. Much respect. We find him in the field and everyone is doing their own thing.”
Benzema also went on to suggest that having players like Ronaldo will boost the Saudi Pro League and drive football’s growth in the country.
“Saudi Arabia needs players like Cristiano, or like me, or like others who have come here to give them some of the things we have in Europe,” the striker continued.
“We have to teach the local lads what it takes so they can go to other clubs. It’s a country that’s opening up. The people are well-mannered in their daily interactions.
“It’s a very good place for me.”
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