Asian challenge awaits Ronaldo after glittering career in Europe

Cristiano Ronaldo embarks on a new journey in Asia on Sunday when the 37-year-old makes his competitive debut for Al Nassr against Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League having accomplished all that he had hoped for in Europe.

The Portuguese gave fans a reminder of his talent when he scored twice in a friendly on Thursday, leading a team made up of players from Al Nassr and Al Hilal against Lionel Messi's Paris St Germain.

Though his side suffered a 5-4 defeat, the highly-anticipated contest offered much entertainment to fans as long-time rivals Ronaldo and Messi shared the pitch together for possibly the last time.

Decked in shades of blue, Ronaldo scored a flawless penalty and followed it up with his trademark 'Siu' celebration before striking again from a rebound as he ticked off a new chapter in his career a month after a disappointing World Cup campaign.

Ronaldo left the pitch in tears after Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals in Qatar, but the talismanic forward was back in high spirits in Thursday's friendly in Riyadh, where fans are excited by the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's arrival.

"So happy to be back on the pitch, and on the score sheet!! And nice to see some old friends!" Ronaldo said in a post on Instagram, along with some photos, including him with the 'Man of the match' award.

Ronaldo's move to Al Nassr, estimated by the media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($216.72 million), has drawn huge attention to Saudi Arabia, which is likely to gain monetary benefits from the deal.

But football pundits have questioned his decision to join a lesser-known league after a glittering career in Europe that saw him win five Champions League titles and seven domestic championships with Manchester United,