Al Nassr continues to enjoy its winter break after completing the first half of the season on a high note. The countdown for the second leg of the 2023-2024 season has begun, and they will be kicking off things with friendlies in China. Amidst the anticipation, the Shanghai Shenhua coach has stressed how facing Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will be ‘important’ for his players who are not ‘perfect’.

Ever since the news broke that Cristiano Ronaldo was coming to China, fans have been in a frenzy. Although it’s a mere friendly match, it holds a special significance for Shanghai boss Leonid Slutsky. Speaking in an interview, he said, “The match against Cristiano and other well-known stars with Al-Nassr will be very important for our team, especially the young players in our team. However, some of our team players are not perfect”.

“There are four players in the national team and two in the national Olympic team.” Shenhua may not have all of its chess pieces, yet Slutsky’s side looks confident enough to face Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. Notably, after facing Shanghai Shenhua on January 24, Al Nassr will also play against Zhejiang Professional on January 28.

🗣️ سلوتسكي مدرب شانغهاي شينوا:

"ستكون المباراة ضد كريستيانو وغيره من النجوم المعروفين مع النصر مهمه جداً لفريقنا وخاصة اللاعبين الشباب في فريقنا ومع ذلك فإن بعض لاعبين فريقنا ليسوا كاملين هناك أربع لاعبين في المنتخب الوطني واثنان في الفريق الأولمبي الوطني"🇨🇳🔵

— موسى (@MousaQi) January 6, 2024

Both fixtures will be played at the Shenzhen City Stadium. After that, the Knights of Najd will fly back to the Kingdom Arena for their final friendly match against Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami on February 1. Either way, there are going to be some interesting weeks ahead for the soccer fraternity. While one may question Al Nassr’s decision to fly 3465 miles to play just two friendlies, you may want to hear the perks of it. 

What’s the benefit behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.’s China tour?

As per the reports, Al Nassr will be receiving a paycheck of over $13 million (50 million Riyals) for just participating in the two friendlies. They will reportedly stay in China for 10 days, where the team will also indulge in off-pitch promotion campaigns. Al Nassr’s impending arrival has also boosted tourism in China, particularly in Shenzhen.

“That’s What Our Club Needs” – Sadio Mane Goes Candid on His Relationship With Cristiano Ronaldo

According to Li Jiwei, Vice President of the Meituan Research Institute, the announcement of Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation in China’s friendly tour has resulted in a ninefold rise in lodging reservations in Shenzhen compared to previous numbers. Either way, fans in China must be impatient to meet all the Al Nassr stars, especially Ronaldo. 

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