• Cristiano Ronaldo to make Saudi debut in friendly against PSG

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    Cristiano Ronaldo to make Saudi debut in friendly against PSG
    Salem Al-Dawsari and Saud Abdulhamid, both internationals for Saudi Arabia, are included in the Riyadh ST XI...

    Digital Desk: Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected captain of the Riyadh ST XI and will make his Saudi debut against Paris St. Germain (PSG) in a friendly match.

    In a matchup against PSG, which includes world champion Lionel Messi, the 37-year-old attacker will captain a team made up of players from the Saudi clubs Al Hilal and Al Nassr.

    Salem Al-Dawsari and Saud Abdulhamid, both internationals for Saudi Arabia, are included in the Riyadh ST XI. Al-Dawsari scored in the surprise World Cup 2022 group-stage victory over Argentina.

    On Thursday, the much-awaited battle will take place in Riyadh. There have reportedly been more than 2 million internet requests for tickets.

    A VIP "Beyond Imagination" ticket to the game has also attracted bids of almost 10 million riyals (USD 2.66 million) in an auction that will close on Tuesday.

    Ronaldo, who left Manchester United amicably after an explosive interview, signed with Al-Nassr. However, he was unable to play in Al-first Nassr's two games because he was serving a suspension from the English Football Association for kicking a fan's phone out of his hand in April.

    Ronaldo signed a contract with the Arab squad in January that is expected to be worth more than 200 million euros (216.34 million USD) until 2025. When Al Nassr hosts Al Ettifaq on Sunday, he will make his debut in a Saudi Pro League match.

    Taking his Instagram account Ronaldo stated, "Thank you Riyadh for the warm welcome! Look forward to seeing you at the stadium tonight." 

    He added,“I’m a unique player. It’s good to come here, I broke all the records there (in Europe) and I want to break a few records here. I’m coming here to win, to play, to enjoy, to be part of the success of the country and culture of the country.”