"Can't wait to see the GOAT", "I smell a hat-trick" - Fans react as Cristiano Ronaldo captains Al-Nassr for Al-Akhdoud clash

Fans expect a big outing from Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portugal icon captains Al-Nassr for their Saudi Pro League home game with Al-Akhdoud on Thursday (January 9).

The Saudi top flight resumes after a month-long break, with Ronaldo and Co. finding themselves fourth in the standings, trailing leaders Al-Ittihad (36) by 11 points after 13 games.

Stefano Pioli's side aren't in the best of form in the league, losing two of their last three games, including the last one, a 2-1 defeat at Al-Ittihad last month. Ronaldo, who scored in that game, will look to do so again as Pioli's side seek a climb-up the standings, with the 39-year-old leading a formidable-looking attack.

Fans reacted with excitement and anticipation, with one tweeting:

"Can't wait to see the GOAT in action. Missed him so much."

Another chimed in:

"Same here man. I miss watching my GOAT play."

One fan predicts a hat-trick for CR7, tweeting;

"Hat-trick for Ronaldo to start the year off with a banging bang?"

There were similar reactions from other fans, with commenting:

"3-2 ... Ronaldo will score hat-trick today"

One added:

"I smell a hat-trick"

The Knights of Najd finished runners-up in the league in the last two seasons but have work to do to catch up with the top-two this season. They are seeking their 10th top-flight title, with their last one coming in 2019.

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Casemiro could reportedly reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr captian Cristiano Ronaldo

As per The Sun, Cristiano Ronaldo wants his former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Casemiro to join him at Al-Nassr. The Brazilian midfielder has had an up-and-down stint with the Red Devils and could be shipped off during the ongoing January transfer window.

The 32-year-old played with Ronaldo for three seasons at Real Madrid and for a half season at Old Trafford before the Portuguese left in December 2022 after mutually terminating his deal.

Casemiro, meanwhile, hasn't quite lived up to his billing at United, contributing 15 goals and nine assists in 105 outings across competitions. Despite his current deal running till 2026, he has been linked with an exit this month.

The Sun has reported that Ronaldo has 'pleaded' with his club bosses to bring in his former teammate. New United boss Ruben Amorim is set to sanction a few sales, with Casemiro expected to be one of them. Is a reunion with Ronaldo on the cards for the Brazilian?