Cristiano Ronaldo fans swarm Al-Nassr squad and chase team bus to get glimpse of superstar as he touches down in Iran
FANS mobbed Al-Nassr’s team bus and flocked into the club’s hotel as Cristiano Ronaldo mania struck Iran.
Huge crowds lined the streets and chased the coach as the global superstar arrived for Tuesday’s Asian Champions League tie with Persepolis.
There were even claims Al-Nassr called off a training session because of the hectic conditions
It shows how Ronaldo‘s fame has spread even wider across Asia since his switch to Saudi Arabia in January this year.
And the hype has heightened since the summer influx to Saudi Arabia of more big names like Neymar, Karim Benzema and Aymeric Laporte.
Ron himself has been joined at his club by Sadio Mane, whose former Liverpool team-mates Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have also switched to the same league.
Al-Nassr posted clips on X, formerly known as Twitter, of fans running in a frenzy to try to catch the yellow bus.
Many raised their phones, hoping to take photos trough the bus windows as well get a glimpse of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Ron, 38, is the top overseas sporting attraction in Iran, where football is the main game.
He failed to make the shortlist for the world player of the year award – for the first time since 2003.
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Such a run could be considered a compliment – but Ron’s longevity is nothing compared to the historic reputation of Persepolis.
The town currently hosting Al-Nassr was the capital of the Persian empire from around 500 BC to330 BC.
And its archaeological ruins make it a World Heritage Site.
But despite quitting football’s elite leagues Ronaldo insists he is far from a relic.
And after his extra time double won the Arab Club Champions Cup for Al-Nassr in August, he is dreaming of adding the main Asia-wide trophy to his five Champions League successes in Europe.