Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe

updated at July 19, 2023 at 11:24 AM

• Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about meeting Karim Benzema in the upcoming season
• Benz joined his ex-Real Madrid teammate in the Saudi Pro League by signing for Al-Ittihad
• The two veterans will lock horns in the Gulf kingdom when the 2023/24 campaign begins

Cristiano Ronaldo offered a straightforward response when questioned about the prospect of crossing paths with Karim Benzema in the upcoming 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season.

The Saudi Arabian top flight has emerged as a sought-after destination for some of the world's premier football talents, marked by Ronaldo's record-breaking £175 million-a-year contract signing with Al-Nassr.

Following the Portuguese superstar's lead, several A-list stars from European clubs have followed suit and made their way to the Gulf nation, including the reigning Ballon d'Or holder - Benzema.

The Frenchman recently sealed a three-year deal with Pro League champions, Al-Ittihad, who are looking to retain their title with significant additions, as reported by Aljazeera.

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With both Benzema and his former Real Madrid teammate set to face each other in the forthcoming season, expectations are high for an exciting showdown.

However, when asked about this eagerly anticipated fixture, Ronaldo downplayed the significance of the match-up with last year's best footballer.

“I won't just face Benzema, I'll face Nuno Santo, a Portuguese coach who was a champion last year,” Ronaldo said, as quoted by CXtra.

When will Ronaldo face Benzema?

The highly anticipated clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr is set to potentially reunite Benzema with his former Real Madrid teammate, Ronaldo.

The momentous encounter is scheduled for week 17, on December 14, and will unfold at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, per SPL.

The decisive return fixture might hold the fate of the entire campaign as Al-Nassr will welcome Al-Ittihad on May 27, 2024, for the final game week of the season.

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The outcome of this match could prove pivotal in shaping the ultimate outcome of the league.

Ronaldo's frosty Di Maria response

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that Ronaldo gave a somewhat frosty response when quizzed about Angel Di Maria's return to Benfica after spending a lone season with Juventus.

As a former teammate at Real Madrid, he curiously declined to express his thoughts on the matter, perhaps due to the storied rivalry between his boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon, and the Eagles.

Benzema makes bold declaration

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Benzema revealing his intentions with Al-Ittihad after inking a three-year deal with the current Saudi pro League champions.

The 35-year-old, who is Real Madrid's second-highest goal-scorer of all time, cited Ronaldo as one of his motivations to switch to the Middle East.