Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, makes feelings clear after Al-Nassr sack manager

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 25/06/2025

- 11:14

The Portugal international is set to play under another new boss at the Saudi Pro League side

Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted after Al-Nassr decided to sack manager Stefano Pioli on Wednesday.

Pioli only took charge of the Saudi Pro League side last September, with the former AC Milan boss taking over from Luis Castro.


Despite having Ronaldo - as well as other big names such as Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran - Pioli has now been axed after failing to win any silverware during the 2024/25 season.

Al-Nassr could only finish third in the league, while they failed to win either the Kings Cup or AFC Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo Stefano Pioli Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted after Al-Nassr decided to sack manager Stefano Pioli on Wednesday

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The Saudi team confirmed Pioli's exit with a statement that read: "Al Nassr Club Company informs that Mr Pioli and his Staff are no more the acting coaching staff of the first team.

"We would like to thank Mr Pioli and his staff for their dedicated work during the past season."

And Ronaldo has now released a statement of his own, with the 40-year-old paying tribute to Pioli.

"Thanks for everything," wrote the football icon on his Instagram account.

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Sergio Conceicao, who once played alongside Ronaldo at international level, is widely expected to take over.

The 50-year-old started his managerial career as an assistant at Standard Liege before taking over Olhanense in 2012.

More recently, Conceicao has managed Porto and AC Milan.

Milan endured a campaign to forget last term, with the fallen Serie A giants only able to finish eighth in the league.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Stefano Pioli

Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked Stefano Pioli after the Italian was sacked by Al-Nassr

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As for Pioli, he's set to return to Italy with Fiorentina.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo recently admitted that he was 'thinking about the day to day' - with the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus star not ready to retire from the sport just yet.

“I think about the day to day,” he said.

“I try to live in the present and not to think about the future too much.

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“It’s working fine as it is. It’s not a surprise to anybody that I haven’t got many years ahead of me but I’m enjoying the moment.

"If I had decided on a date, I wouldn’t be able to say because I might get up in the morning tomorrow and say I don’t want to play anymore.

“But right now, I don’t feel that way.

"I’m enjoying the moment. The last game I scored and I enjoyed it.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sergio Conceicao

Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to work under Sergio Conceicao at Al-Nassr next season

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"I’m going to play a final [the Nations League, which Portugal won] tomorrow so I’m really happy, independent of winning or not.

“Of course, it’s not the same (not winning). If you win it motivates you to keep working but right now I’m enjoying myself and like we said, let the air flow. Let things happen.”