Cristiano Ronaldo confesses he struggled to adjust to the Saudi heat after joining Al-Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that after completing his transfer to Al-Nassr, he had to adjust to the heat and the timing of the training programmes.

• Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December
• Admits he had to adapt to the extreme Saudi heat
• Believes more players from Europe will join Saudi clubs

WHAT HAPPENED?  In December 2022, the Portuguese striker joined Al-Nassr to begin a new chapter in his professional career. But, the 38-year-old first struggled to adjust to the harsh Saudi Arabian weather, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the summer.

To avoid the heat, most training sessions are done in the evening, which differs from how European clubs organise their training sessions. Ronaldo stated that it took him some time to acclimatise to his new surroundings, but he is now completely at ease.

WHAT THEY SAID?: “The biggest difference I have found in Saudi is obviously the heat and adapting schedules to train later in the day when it is cooler,” he said in his capacity as LiveScore ambassador. “But I have really gotten used to that now. The fans here have been incredible to me, welcoming me, and those that follow me to continue on this amazing journey. Every league and country is different and I am very proud to have experienced three different leagues in Europe (and won titles in them all).”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Following in Ronaldo’s footsteps, former Real Madrid skipper Karim Benzema and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante are also set to be part of the Saudi Pro League in the next campaign. The Portuguese is excited about the arrival of more top-quality talent and believes that the league will develop immensely over the next few years.

“It hasn’t surprised me but it makes me really happy to see people all across the world now watching the Saudi Pro League. I believe the league will continue to develop and many more players from European leagues will come here to play,” he added.

IN TWO PHOTOS:Getty ImagesKarim Benzema TW/Getty

WHAT NEXT? After completing the 2022-23 Saudi Pro League campaign, Ronaldo will shift his focus to international football as he is set to return to action with Portugal against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 17, in a Euro 2024 qualifying fixture.