Author: Soorya G
Veteran Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco got into a tense argument with Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo over a decision made in a major Saudi Pro League match. During Al-Nassr’s 4-3 victory over Al-Ahli in the seventh round of the Saudi League, a curious moment caught everyone’s attention. Cristiano Ronaldo, disagreeing with a decision by referee Anderson Daronco, expressed his displeasure and had a heated argument with the Brazilian referee.
The Portuguese star scored two goals, as did Anderson Talisca, and played a decisive role in the result. He is the competition’s top scorer with nine goals and has provided four assists so far. Daronco, one of Brazil’s leading referees today, made his debut in Saudi Arabia on Friday, following in the footsteps of other renowned referees. Earlier this season, Ramon Abbati Abel also refereed a match in the country, overseeing Al-Hilal’s 2-0 win over Al-Ittifaq on August 28 in the fourth round.
Ronaldo scored twice in Saturday’s game, netting in each half. Meanwhile, Anderson Talisca’s brace sealed the win for Al Nassr, while Franck Kessie and Riyad Mahrez scored for the visitors. The star spoke after the match and said that he wasn’t close to the end of his career and that he planned to play at the highest level for a long time.
“They say Ronaldo is finished… but that’s not true. I’m going to keep playing until my legs say: Cristiano, I’m finished. I still have a lot left in me. I still love soccer and scoring goals. I still like winning. They say I’m finished, but I’m still proving that’s not true. My career has spanned more than 20 years and I’ve continued to play at the highest level throughout. I still feel young and I’m nowhere near finished.