Cristiano Ronaldo enjoys a huge fan-following wherever he goes. Ahead of Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League clash with Persepolis, the Saudi Pro League team arrived in Iran. The craze around CR7 was felt when fans gathered around Al Nassr’s team bus to catch a glimpse of the Portuguese superstar. The fans also crashed into the Tehran hotel Al Nassr is staying to meet CR7.
Al-Nassr’s visit to Iran is a momentous occasion as it will be the first time a Saudi club will visit Iran since 2016. It will also be Ronaldo’s first time in Iran.
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Tensions between the two countries have been on the rise in recent times, resulting in the two arch-rivals cutting off diplomatic relations in 2016. This was following the 2015 Asian Champions League, in which the two clubs of these two countries played each other at their respective home stadiums in the group or knockout rounds.
Since 2016, football matches have been held on neutral grounds. Earlier this year, diplomatic relations were restored between the two countries.
A huge delegation greeted Ronaldo and Al-Nassr when they arrived in Iran, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner being gifted a special handwoven carpet.
Spectators flocked to the streets of Teheran to witness the Portuguese starlet. Football fans were seen raising banners and posters in praise of Ronaldo, and some even made their way to the Espian Palace Hotel to meet CR7.
Al-Nassr posted a video on Twitter. “These are things that cannot be bought. Be closer and see the scenes of the arrival to the Iranian capital, Tehran,” read the post.
Some of the children were seen wearing Al Nassr and Portugal jerseys with Ronaldo’s name and number. Many of them were seen performing Ronaldo’s signature celebration.
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