Ronaldo’s Al Nassr draw with Inter Milan in Osaka friendly

AFP | Osaka                               

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Cristiano Ronaldo was replaced at halftime as Al Nassr drew 1-1 w i t h Champions League finalists Inter Milan in the second game of their pre-season tour in Japan yestersday.

Abdulrahman Ghareeb opened the scoring for Al Nassr midway through the first half, before Davide Frattesi equalised for Inter a minute before half-time Portugal superstar Ronaldo joined Al Nassr from Manchester United in January, a moment that brought Saudi football to world attention.

Since then, the Public Investment Fund -- one of the world’s richest sovereign wealth funds -- has continued to recruit players for Saudi clubs from Europe’s biggest leagues, including France striker Karim Benzema who joined Al Ittihad from Real Madrid.

Alex Telles followed in Ronaldo’s footsteps by signing for Al Nassr from United on Sunday, making his first start in Osaka. The Brazilian left-back created the first clear chance in the 20th minute, but compatriot Talisca’s header was saved by Inter goalkeeper Filip Stankovic.

Ronaldo then sent an ambitious effort from range wide two minutes later before Ghareeb struck in the 23rd minute, guiding home beautifully as the ball dropped to him from a chipped Talisca pass.