Cristiano Ronaldo can prove Steven Gerrard wrong in Al-Nassr vs Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Pro League clash

Following his departure from Manchester United in November, many of Cristiano Ronaldo's supporters were left wondering whether we had seen the last of the superstar at his top level.

Indeed, the move to Saudi Arabia looked to put a full stop on a brilliant era for the Portuguese forward. In his early days at Al Nassr, there were signs of why Erik ten Hag had deemed Ronaldo surplus to requirements.

There was public tantrums, bust-ups with his own coaching staff and even allegations of him speaking to his teammates poorly on the pitch. It all amounted to a season of disappointment for Ronaldo's new club as they finished runners-up to Al Ittihad and ended the campaign without any silverware to their name.

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However, last season's misery for Ronaldo appears to have fuelled player and club. Already, the 38-year-old is showing signs of why Al Nassr were prepared to fund his huge salary.

Six goals in the Arab Club Champions Cup, including a vital brace in the final, saw Ronaldo win his first trophy since his Juventus days and earn Al Nassr a maiden success in the competition. And the ex-United man will once again be centre stage when Al-Nassr kick off their Saudi Pro League campaign on Monday night.

Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq are the opponents in the former Liverpool player's first competitive match in charge of the Saudi club. And Ronaldo will have a point to prove to the England great. In 2020, the 43-year-old manager was asked to pick his team of best players he has ever played against. Gerrard surprisingly chose to omit