Cristiano Ronaldo continues to make headlines — this time off the pitch. The Portuguese star and his Al Nassr teammates are set to begin their preseason in Saalfelden, a quiet Austrian town near the German border with fewer than 20,000 residents. The Saudi club is scheduled to stay from July 20 to August 4, and their arrival has already made an impact.
One of the most surprising ripple effects involves Hannover 96, a 2. Bundesliga team that traditionally uses a luxury hotel in Saalfelden for preseason activities. However, this year, the German side was forced to vacate the premises — due to the massive security operation being prepared for Ronaldo.
To ensure the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s safety and privacy, Al Nassr is bringing 16 personal bodyguards. Combined with the team’s full traveling party — including players, coaches, executives, and support staff — the hotel was unable to accommodate its usual summer guests.
As a result, Hannover 96, which had already begun its stay in the area, had no choice but to relocate. The club was moved to a more modest local school sports complex for the remainder of its training.
Al Nassr is expected to play a number of informal friendlies during their Austrian tour. Following that, the club will travel to Portugal, return to Saudi Arabia, and then head to Hong Kong, where they’ll compete in the Saudi Super Cup. Al Nassr is set to face Al Ittihad in the semifinals.
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Cristiano Ronaldo misses Al Nassr’s first preseason training: What’s behind CR7’s absence?
Hannover coach responds to relocation
Despite reports in the German press suggesting frustration within Hannover’s camp, head coach Christian Titz took a diplomatic approach when addressing the situation publicly. “There’s no problem. The conditions at the new facility are very good. The pitch is in great shape,” Titz said.
