Cristiano Ronaldo is different: this is his new life in Saudi Arabia

The Portuguese enjoys playing for fun and is much more approachable

Safe to say that December 2022 is a month that Cristiano Ronaldo would rather forget.

Everything he had envisioned when it came to the World Cup in Qatar went up in smoke, and ended in what was probably the worst moment of his career.

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The failure was due to a variety of reasons: his relationship with the national team, the fact it was the first time that Portuguese fans openly criticized him and because he was looking to leave Manchester United for a top club in Europe, which didn't happen.

Cristiano, for the first time, gave in to the pressure. He doubted many things, including whether or not to remain in the national setup, but the Portuguese managed to emerge stronger from one of the worst moments of his sporting life.

The former Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player took refuge in his family and became more 'human'. After the World Cup he acknowledged that many times, when you are at the top, you are unaware of reality. Now he is happier and enjoying life without pressure.

His move to Al-Nassr gave him what he needed: the ability to play for pleasure and be happy again at a stage of his career when he isn't the same player he was 10 years ago. Some things haven't changed: he's still working at his best, his physique still holds up and he hasn't lost his eye for goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of those players who rarely went to a press conference. He avoided contact with the media. All that has changed: he now comes out to speak at every Portugal training camp, is available in the mixed zones and is affable with the press.

Those closest to him say he is a different person. He