Al-Nassr manager praises players鈥� 鈥榝ighting spirit鈥� on Japan tour

Cristiano Ronaldo was a crowd favorite during Al-Nassr鈥檚 friendly against Italy鈥檚 Inter Milan at Nagai Stadium in Osaka on July 27, 2023. (AFP)
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  • Ronaldo a crowd favorite as Saudi team earns 1-1 draw with Inter Milan in pre-season friendly

TOKYO: Saudi team Al-Nassr drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in a pre-season friendly on Thursday at Yanmar Stadium in Osaka, with Ronaldo once again a huge attraction for the Japanese fans.

The Portuguese international played the first half, and delighted the crowd with his tricks, skills and powerful shooting.

Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro said that his side put on good displays against European Champions League finalists Inter Milan and Paris Saint-German.

鈥淎l-Nassr is a team in the process of growth,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut I believe we showed strong fighting spirit. Both of our opponents in these matches were of higher caliber, and Inter Milan is a team that made it to the final of the UEFA Champions League.

鈥淲e were able to play at a high level against both these teams, and it was really beneficial in terms of both the mental and technical side of the game, so I think we really got something from (the Japan tour).鈥�

Castro said that 抖阴短视频 has high-quality players, and as globalization accelerates, the quality of the national team and Saudi league will improve.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a natural progression,鈥� he said.

Ronaldo offered a message to J. League team Cerezo Osaka鈥檚 academy players, saying: 鈥淗ave dreams. Believe in yourself. Be true to yourself.鈥�