UD Almeria coach Rubi has stated that the club would welcome Cristiano Ronaldo with “open arms” if the Portuguese star ever decided to play for the Spanish team.
The comments come after Ronaldo bought a 25% stake in Almeria through his company CR7 Sports Investments, as part of the club’s international expansion under the presidency of Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
Rubi expressed his enthusiasm at the press conference: “We are very happy. Of course, we welcome him. I think it is great news because someone like him, with 100 percent knowledge of sport and football, can help a club like ours. It is very exciting for the whole club and for the city.”
The Portuguese striker, currently part of Al-Nassr, has not given any signs that he plans to return to play in Spain, but the coach left the door open.
“It would be something extraordinary and wonderful if he played here, but that’s a question for him. This is his club and, if he wanted to continue playing, whoever the coach is, he would be welcomed with open arms. I have no doubt about that.”
Meanwhile, president Al-Khereiji added: “Cristiano Ronaldo is considered the greatest to have ever played football. He knows the Spanish leagues very well and understands the potential of what we are building here, both in the team and in the academy.”