CRISTIANO RONALDO
Could Cristiano Ronaldo play in Hong Kong with Al Nassr?
It seems that ‘The Messi Effect’ continues to have an impact on CR7 wherever he goes, or wherever he may end up playing.
Hong Kong’s top officials have a plan to bring in Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr in January 2025, as announced by the president of the city’s Football Association, Pui-Kwan Kay in an interview with the South China Morning Post.
After failing in its match with Inter Miami, in which an injury deprived world champion Lionel Messi of playing, the Hong Kong FA now plan to bring his greatest rival to the club: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo to Hong Kong ‘a good idea’
“If Al Nassr is going to play exhibition matches in some cities, the expensive fees could be split. I don’t know if Al Nassr will return to China, but [bringing Ronaldo to Hong Kong] is a good idea because he is one of the most popular players,” Kwan-Kay said.
We also need to think about the other teams [to invite]. Kai Tak [stadium] is opening, so we need some mega events.
“The HKFA could just take the lead [alongside other parties], or be the organisers, but it’s just too early to say. As of now, we’re only at the stage of consideration and discussion.”
He also said that the idea is to bring other teams, including clubs from Eastern Europe or the Portuguese First Division. Despite the tight-lipped plans on CR7, he did make clear is that it is not among the plans to invite Inter Miami again next year.
‘It is not appropriate to ask about Messi at this time’
“Personally, it is not appropriate to ask about Messi at this time,” Pui said. “No priority will be given to him and his team,” Pui added about a possibility that Inter Miami could return to Hong Kong.
Inter Miami played a friendly match against a Hong Kong team earlier this year. In that game, the North Americans won 4-1, but Messi and Suárez were not called up, causing outrage from fans and even provoking China to cancel Argentina’s tour.
Messi apologised for Hong Kong no-show
The World Cup winner even issued an apology online, saying in a video that “I have read and heard many things that were said after the game in Hong Kong. I wanted to record this video to give you the true version and not have to read false things. “As you all know I always want to play and be involved in every game. I’ve heard people say that I did not play for political reasons.”
“If that had been the case, then he would not have travelled to Japan or visited China so many times”, he added, “since I started my career I have had a great relationship with China, from interviews, matches and events, both with Barcelona and the national team.”
He continued: “The first match I played in Arabia I felt [an injury], in the second I tried to play and it was worse. I tried to train and make an effort the day before because of all the people there. In fact, I did what I could and was at the clinic with all the kids there. But the truth is I couldn’t play because I felt discomfort and there was a risk of getting worse.”