Al Nassr star reveals how the team reacted to Ronaldo being the captain

CR7 took over the captain’s armband from Abdullah Madu after completing his free transfer to Al Nassr.

The entire Al Nassr squad expected Cristiano Ronaldo to become the captain, according to midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov.

Masharipov has revealed that defender Abdullah Madu gave Ronaldo the captain’s armband voluntarily. The forward has since worn it in all three games he has played for Al Nassr so far.

“It’d be a little strange if the rest of the players are captaining Ronaldo,” Masharipov told Sports.ru, as per Daily Express.

“We expected it. Our former captain willingly handed over the armband [to Cristiano Ronaldo] with no problems. I think this is the best solution. It cannot be otherwise.”

Masharipov gave up his No.7 jersey for Ronaldo

The 29-year-old Uzbek also clarified that he was happy to hand over his No.7 shirt to Ronaldo. He now wears the No.77 jersey for Al Nassr.

“Before Cristiano’s arrival, many people asked me, ‘Will you give him the No. 7?’ How can you not give it?! He is Cristiano Ronaldo!” Masharipov added.

“Such players should always be respected! After giving my number, many people assumed I would leave the team. I gave my number with no problem. There was no talk of leaving. Both the club and the coach wanted to see me on the team.

“I have a contract with the team. I only changed my number because Ronaldo came. This guy is one of the two best players in the world. There’s no need to talk much.”

Ronaldo and Al Nassr take to the road on Thursday for a Saudi Pro League match against Al Wehda.

“Euro 2016 Cristiano Ronaldo” by Chensiyuan is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. The image was modified.