Cristiano Ronaldo has requested a favour from Manchester United in the wake of Al-Nassr’s penalty-filled loss to Al-Hilal in the King Cup of Champions final. The 39-year-old striker, who had finished his second season in Saudi Arabia without winning any awards, was devastated and started crying.
In the first few minutes, Aleksandar Mitrovic gave Al-Hilal the lead. Shortly before the end of regulation, Ayman Yahya equalised the score. A nervous extra-time period resulted in a shoot-out to break the stalemate.
Ronaldo gave it his all, expertly converting Al-second Nassr’s penalty kick, but his team lost 5–4. When the final whistle blew, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner collapsed into the grass and started crying uncontrollably.
His teammates had to assist him off the pitch because he was unable to control his disappointment. Ronaldo was seen sobbing uncontrollably in the dugout while waiting for his runners-up medal.
Al-Hilal not only easily defeated Al-Nassr to win the Saudi Pro League, but they also achieved the domestic hat trick by defeating their rivals in the King Cup of Champions final. Ronaldo is eager to win some silverware in the Middle East and is expected to raid Real Madrid and Manchester United for more players.
The Portuguese international has reportedly contacted Casemiro about a possible transfer, according to the Spanish newspaper Marca. According to the claim, Ronaldo has also called Nacho Fernandez recently.
Casemiro, whose contract at Old Trafford expires in June 2026, made 32 appearances for Manchester United this season in all competitions, aiding in Erik ten Hag’s team’s FA Cup victory. Even though the 32-year-old midfielder won some awards, he had trouble making an impression and frequently appeared out of place.
In fact, Jamie Carragher encouraged Casemiro to “call it a day” and sign with the Saudi Pro League or the Major League Soccer after the Red Devils’ 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace in May. The former Liverpool defender remarked, “I said at half-time he’s got to get Casemiro off,” in an interview with Sky Sports.
“I understand that he has young players on the bench, but I really believe that Casemiro, as an accomplished player, should realise today that he should only have three more games remaining at the highest level. The final of the [FA] Cup and the next two league games.
“I need to go to the MLS or Saudi,” he ought to be thinking. I mean business. He needs to hear from everyone around him that this must end because he is getting older. One of the greatest players of our day is on display here, dominating one of the best midfields in Europe.
“He was one of the best midfielders, holding [Luka] Modric to one side and [Toni] Kroos to the other. could easily take on the Sergio Busquets, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta-led Barcelona midfield that we all adored. He has been outstanding.
“I am not even close to the accomplishments of that man. Champions Leagues; representing Brazil; representing Real Madrid. However, there was a proverb I always remembered as a football player: “leave the football before the football leaves you.” I always thought of this when I retired myself.
“At this level of football, the football has left him. He needs to go on and call it a day.”
