Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived in Tehran to face Persepolis in the AFC Champions League match, and the streets are packed with hundreds of fans eager to catch sight of their beloved superstar.
On Tuesday night, Luis Castro’s men will face the Iranian club at the Azadi Stadium.
Fans followed Al-Nassr from the airport to the hotel, where they were seen mimicking Ronaldo’s characteristic “Siiuuu” celebration as they surrounded the bus.
As if that was not enough, the fans followed the bus to the hotel where the team was staying and were seen climbing a mountain to see the 38-year-old at the hotel.
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The arrival of one of the greatest players of all time has become a source of delight and excitement for Iran’s young people, who grew up fighting severe economic hardships and international sanctions.
Ronaldo, 38, is one of the world’s most well-known figures. He is the person with the most Instagram followers (605 million).
Ronaldo’s arrival to Al-Nassr on a big-money contract in January 2023 paved the way for hundreds of footballers, with the likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, and others making their way to the Gulf country.
The relocation of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner also aided in the promotion of football in the Middle East. Neymar will also travel to India to play in Al-Hilal’s group-stage match against Mumbai City F.C.
Al-Nassr is in Group E with Persepolis FC, Al Duhail SC, and FC Istiklol of Tajikistan.
It should be emphasised that Persepolis FC is the most successful Iranian team with a large fan base.
However, due to a ban imposed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) violated several licence restrictions, Tuesday’s encounter will be played behind closed doors.
The AFC Champions League is the highest division of Asian club competitions, featuring prominent teams from across Asia.
