Cristiano Ronaldo’s career in Saudi Arabia is up and running.
After a, shall we say, tame start to life at Al-Nassr, the 38-year-old has returned to his goal scoring best.
After opening his account against Al-Fateh last time out, Ronaldo netted FOUR times in a convincing 4-0 victory away at Al-Wehda on Thursday evening.
It was a bona fide masterclass from one of the greatest to ever lace a pair of boots.
Ronaldo scored twice from open play in the first half, before completing the 61st hat-trick of his glittering career from the penalty spot after the interval.
Sixty-one was a common theme on the night, as that’s the minute Ronaldo bagged his fourth goal of the game, which was the most fortuitous of the quartet.
Aging like a fine wine. Ronaldo has now scored 503 league goals and 824 overall, number that simply boggle the mind.
But while Thursday at the King Abdul Aziz stadium was all about the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s unquestionable brilliance, there was a rather strange moment at full-time which left us scratching our heads a tad.
After referee Abdullah Al-Harbi had blown the whistle, he oddly decided to sign the match ball before handing it over to Ronaldo.
Now, we’re all familiar with the official doing the honours and handing over the ball following a hat-trick; but signing it?! Unless Ronaldo asked Al-Harbi to do, which we highly doubt, it’s an odd one.
Make of it what you will…
Video: Moment referee signed Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr match ball
Is it just us, or did Ronaldo not really know what to do? The incident may help him better remember the hat-trick in the future, though.
Because when you’ve scored more of them than some strikers have scored goals, it’ll be easy to forget the odd one or two in the more senior years.
Who do Al-Nassr and Ronaldo play next?
So, after a memorable four-goal haul in Al-Nassr colours, Ronaldo will switch focus to the next match against Al-Taawoun.
The two teams lock horns at Mrsool Park Stadium on February 17th.
Al-Nassr and Ronaldo will be hoping to further extend their lead at the top of the table over Al-Shabab, which is currently only on goal difference.
Al-Nassr do have a game in hand, though.
SOURCE: givemesport.com