Former Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman's move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia has sparked debate, but the real story is how Cristiano Ronaldo himself convinced Coman to make the switch. Bixente Lizarazu, another Bayern legend, openly criticised Coman's decision, questioning the sporting merit of moving to the Saudi League. Lizarazu believes it's not a place for players to improve and suggested Coman could have continued playing in top European leagues.
Ronaldo's Persuasion: A Trophy-Winning Pitch
Coman revealed to Telefoot1 that Ronaldo played a key role in his decision. Al-Nassr offered Coman a central role in their project, and Ronaldo reinforced the club's ambition to end their trophy drought. Ronaldo told Coman his experience of winning numerous trophies at previous clubs could be invaluable to Al-Nassr's success.
Why Coman Left Bayern: A Fresh Start
After a long and successful spell at Bayern Munich, Coman felt he needed a new challenge. He explained that he no longer had the same impact at the club. Al-Nassr's offer presented him with a fresh start and the opportunity to be a key player in a team striving for titles.
- Coman joined Al-Nassr for a significant transfer fee, benefiting Bayern financially.
- Lizarazu compared Coman's situation to N'Golo Kanté, whose move to Saudi Arabia has impacted his international career.
- Coman hopes to help Al-Nassr win trophies and celebrate titles at the end of the season.
The move highlights the growing influence of the Saudi League and its ambition to attract top footballing talent. Whether Coman's decision will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Cristiano Ronaldo's persuasive powers are still strong.