Cristiano Ronaldo hits back at claims he helped Al-Nassr 'steal' Joao Felix away from Benfica

Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at claims that he helped Al-Nassr to "steal" Joao Felix away from Benfica.

• Portuguese GOAT joined by international team-mate
• Felix had several transfer options to consider
• Chose Saudi Pro League over a return to his foots

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  CR7 has been joined in the Saudi Pro League by another Portugal international team-mate. Felix has headed to Riyadh after having several options to mull over during the summer transfer window.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Once Chelsea opened themselves up to a sale, the 25-year-old forward – who spent the second half of last season on loan at Serie A giants AC Milan – was linked with teams around the world. One of those was his former employers at Benfica.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Felix decided against retracing steps to his roots, with an entirely new challenge being embraced in the Middle East. It has been suggested that Ronaldo influenced a big career call from Felix.

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  WHAT RONALDO SAID

  The evergreen 42-year-old insists that is not the case, telling reporters: "Stealing is bad form; no one has ever stolen anything from Benfica. Everyone knows Joao; he's very talented. I think he'll help us a lot in the Saudi league, which is very competitive.

  "You don't know him; you're not there, you don't show up, but we saw him at the Club World Cup. I think it was a better option for Felix than playing in the Portuguese league; just look at the number of stars there are in Saudi Arabia. Regardless of not playing in the Champions League, it was a very wise decision on his part.

  "Calling him to convince him? I don't do that, I don't pick up the phone. It's not my job. You [journalists] said that, but my job is to train and play."