“I wish my father was alive” – Cristiano Ronaldo makes huge admission after scoring for Al-Nassr in 2-1 win over Al-Rayyan

Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to his father after scoring for Al-Nassr in their AFC Champions League Elite game on Monday, September 30. The Portuguese icon was on the scoresheet as the Knights of Najd secured a 2-1 victory over Qatari-based club Al-Rayyan.

After playing out a 1-1 draw against Al-Shorta in their opening AFC Champions League game, Al-Nassr needed a positive result. They were without Ronaldo in that fixture, but with their talisman back in the picture and a new manager in charge, they delivered the much-needed outcome.

Sadio Mane gave Al-Nassr the lead just before half time (45+1′). Cristiano Ronaldo then doubled his side’s advantage with a well-taken left-footed effort in the 76th minute. However, instead of celebrating in his usual “Siu” style, the Portuguese icon ran briefly to the corner flag and looked up with both arms pointed to the sky.

Speaking after the game, Ronaldo revealed that his celebration took on a different nature as it was a dedication to his father who would have been a year older on the day. The Al-Nassr ace also wished his father was alive to witness the moment. He said (h/t Fabrizio Roamano):

“Today’s goal has a different flavor… I wish my father was alive because today is his birthday, it’s for him.”

As per the Daily Mail, Ronaldo’s father Jose Dinis Aveiro died of liver failure at the age of 52 in 2005. He would have been 71 years old currently. Ronaldo was just 20 when his father died. At the time, he was just starting to gain prominence in the game and was on the books of Manchester United.

Since then, Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or titles and is the leading goalscorer in men’s football with 904 goals to his name.

Cristiano Ronaldo spearheads win as Al-Nassr continue perfect start under Stefano Pioli

Al-Nassr’s fortunes seem to have changed since the arrival of Stefano Pioli. The Italian manager was appointed to replace Luis Castro, who was sacked following a run of poor results at the start of the season.

Since Pioli’s arrival, the Knights of Najd have won four games on the bounce, including their most recent victory in the AFC Champions League Elite. In what was the manager’s debut game in the continental competition, Cristiano Ronaldo’s 76th-minute strike turned out to be the decider in the 2-1 victory over Al-Rayyan.

The Portuguese star has been in excellent form under Pioli’s guidance, scoring three goals in four games during his tenure. In total, he has scored seven goals and provided two assists in eight games for the club this season.

Next, they will face Al-Orobah in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, October 5. Al-Nassr occupy the fourth spot in the league standings with 11 points from five games.