Cristiano Ronaldo receives warm welcome in Iran

AL-NASSR Captain Cristiano Ronaldo receives a warm welcome in Iran on the Saudi Arabian team's first visit to Iran since 2016 ahead of the Asian Champions League group stage match.

Al-Nassr will compete with Iranian team Persepolis in Group E early Wednesday morning while Qatari team Al-Duhail will face Tajikistan's Istiklol Dushanbe.

The country's streets were packed with fans who raised banners welcoming Ronaldo upon the arrival of the Saudi Arabian team.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced that the match between the Saudi and Iranian teams will be played in a stadium for the first time since 2016, due to improved diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Some fans broke into the hotel where the Al Nassr players were staying to chant Ronaldo's name and take pictures with him.

Al-Nassr also posted pictures of Ronaldo receiving a luxury handmade Iranian carpet from Persepolis supporters.

"Cristiano Ronaldo, welcome to Iran. A token of appreciation, an original hand-woven artwork made by an Iranian artist to commemorate your presence in Iran, on behalf of Persepolis fans,” the fan wrote.

The Saudi Pro League has become a popular destination for European-based players since Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr last January.