Jorge Jesus confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo played a decisive role in his acceptance of coaching at Al-Nassr, and that if it weren’t for the Portuguese legend’s invitation, he would have rejected the Saudi club’s offer.
Al-Nassr announced the signing of Jesus as a successor to Stefano Pioli on a one-year contract. Saudi media reports indicate that the former Al-Hilal coach will earn $7 million this year.
Jesus said upon his official appointment as Al-Nassr coach, “If it weren’t for Ronaldo’s invitation, I wouldn’t have agreed to coach Al-Nassr. He has won every title at every club he has played for, but so far, he hasn’t done so with Al-Nassr. I’m here to help him.”
He added, “Ronaldo and I speak the same language (Portuguese), and I love being in Saudi Arabia and have always won here, so I couldn’t refuse the challenge Ronaldo presented me.”
Regarding his previous coaching of Al-Nassr’s eternal rival, Al-Hilal, Jesus commented, “They treated me well at Al-Hilal, but that’s the life of a coach. I’ll return, but to a rival. It’s like moving from Benfica to Sporting Lisbon.”
I know Jesus, 70, deeply regrets turning down the offer to coach the Brazilian national team last May because he wanted to continue with Al-Hilal. He was later dismissed, and the Samba club appointed former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
It’s worth noting that Jesus’ first challenge with Al-Nassr will be the Saudi Super Cup, when they face Al-Ittihad in the semifinals in mid-August. If they win, they will face the winner of the Al-Qadisiyah-Al-Ahli match in the final in Hong Kong.
