In a recent encounter between Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq, Cristiano Ronaldo found himself entangled in a tussle with Scotland defender Jack Hendry, captured in footage that circulated online. Despite their on-pitch confrontation, Ronaldo’s response to Hendry’s request for a shirt swap after the match was surprisingly positive.
The altercation occurred as both players fiercely contested possession in the closing moments of the game. While Hendry, known for his combative style, left Ronaldo gesturing for a free-kick, their backgrounds couldn’t be more diverse.
Contrary to Ronaldo’s historical reputation for emotional outbursts on the field, the 38-year-old football icon seems to have mellowed in his interactions with peers as he approaches the twilight of his career. Ahead of Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Georgia and Norway, Hendry shed light on how he and Ronaldo reconciled after the match.
Expressing admiration for Ronaldo’s achievements, Hendry spoke to the BBC, stating, “Ronaldo is obviously one of the best players in the world, and what he has achieved is amazing. To test myself against him and have that kind of tussle is always enjoyable.” He added that it was “good to speak to him after and swap jerseys,” hinting at keeping the exchanged jersey for a later date.
Hendry, who recently joined Al Ettifaq managed by England legend Steven Gerrard, sees potential for the Saudi Pro League to evolve further. Anticipating the league’s growth, he remarked, “I think if you look at the standard of players going over, the league is going to continue to grow.” With an eye on the World Cup in 2034, Hendry believes there will be a concerted effort to enhance the game, making the Saudi Pro League one of the strongest in the world in the near future.