Portuguese Manager Carlos Carvalhal Believes the Saudi Pro League Has Improved Cristiano Ronaldo as a Team Player
In Portugal’s 3-0 win over Turkey, Ronaldo made his mark by selflessly setting up Bruno Fernandes to score the second goal. It was an out-of-character move for a player who rose to the top by being utterly obsessed with scoring, often taking on the challenge on his own.
However, in the aftermath of the Turkey match, his fellow countryman Carlos Carvalhal believes it was down to his move to the Saudi Pro League. According to Carvalhal, with the pressure of European football gone, Ronaldo accepts that he doesn’t have to be the star of the show. Talking about Ronaldo, Carvalhal said, “I think going to Saudi was the best decision he could make because now he is more relaxed, not under so much pressure, and enjoying himself. This is a different player whose contribution to the team is better.”
Ronaldo is currently on international duty with Portugal at the Euros, where they will face Slovenia in their next match in the round-of-16 stage. He’s yet to score despite having 12 shots on goal so far in Euro 2024. He will be looking to get on the scoresheet finally, but more importantly, he’ll be focusing on contributing in any way possible to get Portugal to the next stage.
