Al-Nassr have parted company with manager Rudi Garcia by mutual consent.
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent Rudi Garcia his well wishes after he was sacked by Al-Nassr (Image: Getty)
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent former Al-Nassr boss Rudi Garcia his well wishes after the Frenchman was sacked by the Saudi Pro League giants. The 59-year-old head coach, who has also managed the likes of Roma, Lille, Marseille and Lyon, has been relieved of his duties by mutual consent, per a club statement.
The decision has been made following Al-Nassr’s 0-0 draw with Al Feiha last weekend which handed Al-Ittihad the chance to extend their lead at the summit to three points.
There had been reports from the Middle East suggesting Ronaldo had been involved in ‘secret talks’ with Al-Nassr club chiefs over the possible departure of Garcia, who has been under growing pressure in recent weeks.
Now they have seemingly decided to act, firing the underwhelming Frenchman and replacing him with the club’s Under-19 coach Dinko Jelicic.
Ronaldo has since reacted to the news on Instagram, posting a tribute to Garcia. He wrote: “Pleasure to have worked with you. Wishing you all the best for the future.”
Rudi Garcia has been fired by Al-Nassr (Image: Getty)
There has been talk of tension behind the scenes between Ronaldo and Garcia but those rumours have been quickly put to bed following his personal Instagram post.
It’s been quite the start for CR7 in the Middle East, having found the back of the net 11 times in 10 matches.
While Garcia’s time at the club had seemingly run its course, he still boasts an impressive record in the Saudi Pro League this season.
Al-Nassr have taken 53 points from 23 matches, winning 16 times and losing just twice.
Unfortunately for them, title rivals Al-Ittihad, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, are flying high at the top of the table having tasted defeat just one in 23 outings.
Ronaldo may not be the only mega-star playing in the Saudi Pro League next season with Al Hilal also set to make a play for arch nemesis Lionel Messi.
Messi is out of contract with Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season and could opt to explore a new challenge outside of Europe.
PSG do have an option to trigger a 12-month extension but at the moment, that currently looks unlikely.
