Football fans in Saudi Arabia finally got to see their newest signing - Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo - on the field this week and it was an unforgettable occasion.
The superstar had been able to play for Riyadh club Al Nassr, who he signed for on December 30, due to a two-match domestic ban imposed by the English FA for knocking a phone out of a fan's hand when he played for Manchester United against Everton last April.
But fans were finally able to see Ronaldo play in an action-packed friendly between a Saudi All-Star XI and Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain in Riyadh on Thursday.
Ronaldo marked his maiden outing at his new home with two goals against PSG at the King Fahd Stadium.
The Portuguese striker converted from the penalty spot just after the half-hour mark in a match that was eventually won by the Paris club 5-4. He added a second in first-half injury time, smashing home a rebound in front of 68,000 fans.
Now, it's time for the main course as Ronaldo prepares for his league debut for Al Nassr, with whom he signed a record two-and-a-half year deal that is said to be worth over $200 million.
Ronaldo makes his Saudi Pro League debut for Al Nassr against Ettifaq on Sunday.
Here is all you need to know about the game.
Fixture
Al Nassr v Ettifaq, Sunday, January 22, 2023, 9.30 pm UAE time (8.30pm Saudi time).
Venue
Mrsool Park, Riyadh.
Who are Al Nassr?
Al Nassr are based in the Saudi capital Riyadh and are one of the country's most well known and decorated teams.
They have won nine Saudi Premier League titles and current top the Saudi league table ahead of Al Shabab on 26 points.
The team is coached by Frenchman Rudi Garcia.
Their main rivals are fellow Riyadh team Al Hilal, with whom Ronaldo's rival Lionel Messi has been linked with a move.
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Cristiano Ronaldo smiles at his official unveiling by Al Nassr football club at Mrsool Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. AP -
New Al Nassr signing Cristiano Ronaldo during his unveiling at Mrsool Park. Reuters -
New Al Nassr signing Cristiano Ronaldo waves to the fans at Mrsool Park during his unveiling. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo waves to fans. Reuters -
New Al Nassr signing Cristiano Ronaldo walks out on to the Mrsool Park pitch. Reuters -
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Mrsool Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for his unveiling as an Al Nassr player on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks during a press conference for his official unveiling at Al Nassr. AP -
Cristiano Ronaldo with Al Nassr club president Musalli Al Muammar at the press conference at Mrsool Park Stadium. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo attends a press conference during his official unveiling. Getty -
Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia unveils new signing Cristiano Ronaldo. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo at Mrsool Park Stadium. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo smiles during his official unveiling. AP -
Saudi club Al Nassr's new signing Cristiano Ronaldo during his unveiling at Mrsool Park, Riyadh. Reuters -
Al Nassr's new signing Cristiano Ronaldo with club president Musalli Al Muammar. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo during his unveiling as an Al Nassr player after his record deal with the Saudi club, which is said to be worth $200m a year. Reuters -
President of Al Nassr football club Musalli Al Muammar, centre, arrives at the Mrsool Park Stadium in Riyadh on Tuesday. AFP -
A man sells Cristiano Ronaldo flags and scarves ahead of his unveiling as an Al Nassr player on Tuesday. Reuters -
Vendors sell flags with Cristiano Ronaldo's number seven ahead of his official unveiling as a new Al Nassr palyer in Riyadh. AP -
A vehicle drives past a billboard welcoming Saudi football club Al Nassr's new signing - Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo - in Riyadh. AFP -
A billboard welcoming Cristiano Ronaldo in Riyadh. AFP -
Al Nassr club's new signing Cristiano Ronaldo after his arrival in Riyadh late on Monday night. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez after their arrival in Riyadh. AFP
How to watch the match in the UAE?
Saudi Pro League games can be seen on MBC’s streaming platform Shahid. Click here to get more information. Al Nassr also post highlights of their games on their YouTube channel.
What next?
Ronaldo has said that he wants to take on a new challenge in Asia, having achieved tremendous success in Europe with various clubs, mainly at Real Madrid.
"I'm so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done," Ronaldo said when Al Nassr unveiled him as their new player.
"I won everything, I played in the most important clubs in Europe and now it's a new challenge in Asia."
Al Nassr manager Rudi Garcia believes Ronaldo's signing will be a huge step for the Saudi Pro League, where Al Nassr are second in the standings on 30 points from 13 games, one point behind Al Ittihad who have played a game more.
