Cristiano Ronaldo gets wild reception on arrival in Iran for AFC Champions League match - WATCH

Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the world’s most renowned athlete and he truly has a global fan base. The star footballer has perhaps the most passionate fans that have always been steadfast in their adulation - and often this love has reached a fervent pitch of enthusiasm. This was clearly visible when hordes of football fans swarmed the streets of Tehran on Monday, as they were keen to get one peek of the star player upon his arrival with his Saudi Arabian teammates before the AFC Champions League clash against Persepolis. The scenes on display were quite remarkable as people even breached the confines of the hotel where Ronaldo is presently lodged with his teammates. Ronaldo's transfer to Al Nassr in January met with unparalleled excitement throughout the nation.

This is the reception Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr received in Iran 😳

(via @AlNassrFC)pic.twitter.com/mhxa8kVDNV

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 18, 2023

Now that he has arrived in Tehran, supporters went up in a resonant chant of “Ronaldo, Ronaldo”, surging past law enforcement and filling the hallways and common areas of the Espinas Palace Hotel. This trip is Ronaldo’s maiden tour to Iran with Al Nassr. The fervour among his passionate fans transcended mere celebration of his athletic prowess; it also brought to the fore his iconic image and his status as a cultural icon. The Portuguese star has also reciprocated this love as a young fan had the privilege of meeting the football legend and even performing the iconic ‘Siu’ celebration in front of Ronaldo. The star was all heart in his response and reciprocated with an autograph and an Al-Nassr jersey. This video has, since, become a viral sensation on the internet.

كـرة القـدم ليست مجرد لعبة
هي أكبر من ذلك بكثيــر 💛#النصر السعودي و نجمه رونالدو يجسدان ذلك 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/xJPS7D7cVP

— نادي النصر السعودي (@AlNassrFC) September 18, 2023

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The Asian Champions League matches between Iran and Saudi Arabia have become a reality with the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, an accord that was mediated by China earlier this year. The last time when Saudi Arabian and Iranian teams locked horns at home was in the 2015 edition of the Asian Champions League.