CRISTIANO RONALDO has taken up a new sport – and he has already been labelled the “greatest player of all time” in it.
The 38-year-old’s rollercoaster season, which saw his explosive exit from Manchester United in December, ended in disappointment last month.
The Portuguese legend’s Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr rested the veteran last Wednesday for their 3-0 win over Al Fateh.
But they had already been beaten to the Saudi Pro League title as Al-Ittihad finished five points clear of them.
However, Ronaldo is recovering from that setback on a post-season trip to Asia.
He is currently in Singapore to promote a number of charity initiatives that are headed up by his friend Peter Lim, the billionaire tycoon who owns Spanish side Valencia.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
Ronaldo spoke to kids during his trip before then taking part in a Padel game, the racquet sport similar to squash and tennis.
The Real Madrid legend was cheered on by hordes of youngsters who were courtside and later posted a snap of him in action to his 588 million Instagram followers with the caption: “Coming soon to Asia @primepadelsport – thanks for the rally!’.
Ronaldo, who split with his long-time agent Jorge Mendes earlier this year after his transfer to the Middle East, looked just as relaxed with the racquet in his hand as he does in front of goal.
And after footage of him playing went viral, fans quickly hailed him as the new GOAT of the sport as well as being a footballing king.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
One fan commented: “This is why Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest padel tennis player of all time.”
Another said: “My goat, even the best at pedal.”
While a fellow fan wrote: “The GOAT Shines in everything he puts his mind to. Yeah!!! the best in the world.”
Ronaldo recently declared that he will be staying in Saudi Arabia despite rumours of a potential return to Madrid or a switch to German champions Bayern Munich.
He said: “I am happy here, I want to continue here, I will continue here.
“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.
“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
