CRISTIANO RONALDO has been pipped to a spot in the Saudi Pro League team of the season by Odion Iglaho.
The Portuguese star joined Al-Nassr in December after being axed from Manchester United.
However, the move did not pan out well, as the Saudi side dropped out of first place and missed out on the title to Karim Benzema’s new club Al-Ittihad – who have also been linked with a move for Chelsea star N’Golo Kante.
Ronaldo, 38, himself did impress as he netted 14 goals in 16 appearances for Al-Nassr.
But it was not enough to earn him a spot in the Team of the Season.
The striker position was instead given to Ighalo, who had previously flopped during a loan spell at Manchester United.
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The Nigerian fired 19 goals and provided two assists in 27 matches for third-placed Al-Hilal.
During his time at Old Trafford, Ighalo failed to score in 12 Premier League appearances, although he did bag five goals in the Europa League and FA Cup.
The other forward positions were handed to Moroccan winger Mourad Batna and Saudi star Feras Al Brikan.
Ronaldo’s team-mates Luiz Gustavo and Ghislain Konan did earn spots in the midfield and defence respectively.
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There was even a space for West Brom cult hero Ahmed Hegazi as he impressed in the heart of the Al-Ittihad defence.
The team was based on players’ Opta stats and laid out in a 4-3-3 formation.
And competition for a spot in the team of the season next campaign will be harder with many European stars making the move to Saudi, such as Benzema.
Despite being a regular goalscorer in his half a season, Ronaldo’s time in Saudi has been overshadowed by his antics during matches.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has repeatedly shown his displeasure after defeats.
It had been suggested that Ronaldo was keen on a return to Europe, but he has insisted that he is happy at Al-Nassr.
He said: “I am happy here, I want to continue here, I will continue here,’ he announced.
“And in my opinion, if they continue to do the work that they want to do here, for the next five years, I think the Saudi league can be a top five league in the world.
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“I will be part of your world, your culture, I will be here, I hope I make the people enjoy through my games, my performance, and to win things.
“But again, thank you for welcoming me, and I will try to give my best during the time that I will be here.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
