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Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde has showered praise on club legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The 39-year-old is having a superb season for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo set a record for most goals (35) in a Saudi Pro League campaign by scoring twice in his team's 4-2 home win over last season's winners Al-Ittihad on Monday (May 27). In the process, he became the first player to top-score in four different leagues.
Valverde - who arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2018 - has never played with Ronaldo but has immense respect and 'love' for the Portugal captain for his stellar accomplishments in the game.
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“I love Cristiano Ronaldo," Valverde said (as per Madrid Xtra via The Residncy). "He’s a legend, not only for Real Madrid but worldwide.”
The Uruguayan, 25, has 21 goals and 23 assists in 257 games across competitions for Los Blancos. That includes three goals and eight assists in 53 games across competitions this season as Carlo Ancelotti's side won the Supercopa Espana and La Liga titles.
They are also into the UEFA Champions League final, where they take on Borussia Dortmund at the Wembley on Saturday (June 1).
How has Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo fared at Al-Nassr?
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a stellar stint at Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr, whom he joined on a free transfer in December 2022 after two decades in European football.
In 69 games across competitions, he has struck 64 times and also provided 15 assists. That includes an impressive 50 goals across competitions in as many games this season. The tally includes six strikes in Al-Nassr's triumphant Arab Champions Club's Cup campaign before the league season.
The Real Madrid all-time top scorer has also scored six times in his maiden AFC Champions League campaign, where Luis Castro's side made the last-eight, losing on penalties to Al-Ain.
Ronaldo will close out the season with the King's Cup final with Saudi Pro League winners Al-Hilal in Jeddah on Friday (May 31).
