Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Saudi Arabia's Pro League team of the season, while another former Manchester United striker leads the way.
Joining Al-Nassr in January following the termination of his contract with United, Ronaldo's performances failed to earn him a spot in the Saudi Pro League Team of the Season. Instead, Al Hilal's Odion Ighalo is the star striker.
Ighalo, who had previously failed to score a goal during his time in England with the 13-time Premier League champions, hit his luck after moving to Saudi Arabia. Scoring 19 goals for third-placed Al Hilal, he secured his place in the team's starting lineup. A sensational interview with Piers Morgan led to Ronaldo leaving Old Trafford midway through the season. However, the 38-year-old has had an impressive goal streak for his new club, scoring 14 goals in 16 league appearances.
Despite Ronaldo's remarkable scoring record, Al Ittihad won the Saudi Pro League while his team finished in second place. Despite playing only half a season for the Saudi team, the Portugal international with 198 caps managed to secure 5th place in the league's top scorer list.
Here is the full Saudi League lineup for the season
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Simone Inzaghi has hinted that his Inter Milan side are preparing to go far with Manchester City when they meet in the Champions League final.
City are strong contenders for Saturday night's final in Istanbul, with Pep Guardiola's side looking to claim the remarkable title following victories in the Premier League and FA Cup.
Inter are expected to create strong resistance but The Citizens could prove too much, especially with star striker Erling Haaland up front.
The 22-year-old has scored 52 goals in appearances in his first season for the Etihad, including 12 in 10 UCL games so far.
Like so many other coaches this season, Inzaghi must find the best way to stop the Norwegian, and given his lack of frontrunners, the Italian insists it's not just the striker who must be watched. "We all know what a great player he is and how strong Man City are," the 47-year-old said at Friday's pre-match press conference.
“He will be severely marked. However, we will be keeping a close eye on all City players. We have to stop Haaland and the other players.
Manchester City FC Final Date - UEFA Champions League Final 2022/23
Erling Haaland has scored 52 goals in as many games this season (Image:
Getty)
“Midfield will be key tomorrow, but all areas will be important. We will need to run and we will also need hearts and minds. We have to do extra yard work tomorrow.
We have to be sharp and focused, we have to give our best effort, we need courage to cross the finish line. We have to be at our best tomorrow. Small details will be the key to tomorrow's victory. “We practiced penalty shootouts throughout the season. We will practice and prepare for the penalty shootout. City have a solid defence, they have a couple of chances.
Preview - UEFA Champions League Final 2022/23
Man City has never won the Champions League (Image:
Getty)
“We have to do our best to beat them. It's a complete team, we know which team we will face tomorrow. It's a respected team, we have to live up to it.
Inter will be hoping for better luck than their Italian rivals last week, with Roma losing the Europa League final to Sevilla while Fiorentina were beaten by West Ham to win the Europa Conference League trophy.
Inzaghi added:
"We want to fly the Serie A flag tomorrow. We have to focus on ourselves and our game. The Serie A teams did a great job to reach the final.
“We are calm and ready for this moment, which is important for us. Stress levels will continue to rise, but we're ready and can't wait.
"I want to thank the fans for their support, they have been fantastic throughout the season. I will not forget their support during this season in Europe. We have to give it all to us. fans and clubs.
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