Ronaldo’s Desire to Convert to Islam Confirmed by Waleed Abdullah
Waleed Abdullah, the former goalkeeper of Saudi Arabian football club Al-Nassr, has made headlines with revelations of interest in Cristiano Ronaldo converting to Islam. Abdullah, during an appearance on an Arab TV program, confirmed the long-standing rumors about Ronaldo’s interest in embracing Islam, highlighting the footballer’s growing integration into Saudi culture.
Ronaldo’s Respect for Islamic Practices
Abdullah shared that Ronaldo has expressed a genuine desire to convert to Islam, having discussed the topic with him. The former goalkeeper emphasized Ronaldo’s deep connection to local customs, saying, “Ronaldo genuinely wants to convert to Islam. I spoke to him about it, and he expressed interest.” Abdullah also mentioned how Ronaldo has already prostrated on the field after scoring goals and consistently encourages his teammates to observe prayers and Islamic rituals.
Ronaldo’s Sensitivity to Local Religious Customs
Ronaldo has gone above and beyond to connect with his Muslim teammates by learning about Islamic traditions. Abdullah explained how the footballer ensures his colleagues have time to pray during training. “When the call to prayer sounds during training, Ronaldo asks the coach to pause the session until it’s finished,” he said, underlining Ronaldo’s respect for religious practices in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo’s Curiosity About Saudi Culture
Abdullah further revealed that when Ronaldo first joined Al-Nassr, he was eager to learn about Saudi culture. “In the beginning, I was close to Cristiano because he wasn’t familiar with the country’s culture, the club, or other aspects. He was curious and often asked me questions about certain details,” Abdullah explained. This openness to understanding his new environment speaks volumes about Ronaldo’s character and respect for his surroundings.
Teammates Encouraged Ronaldo’s Interest in Islam
Abdullah also mentioned that Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammates, including Mesut Özil and Karim Benzema, had previously encouraged him to consider converting to Islam. A particularly notable moment occurred when Ronaldo prostrated after scoring a goal, prompting all his teammates to shout “Allahu Akbar” in unison, further showcasing Ronaldo’s connection to Islamic practices.
Ronaldo’s Dedication and Humility
Despite the ongoing speculations surrounding Ronaldo converting to Islam, Abdullah praised his professionalism and discipline. He emphasized that it was Ronaldo’s commitment and hard work that brought him to his position. Additionally, Abdullah spoke highly of Ronaldo’s humility, noting that both the footballer and his son are known for their warm and simple interactions, which has endeared them to the Saudi community.
Conclusion: Ronaldo’s Path Toward Islam
With growing interest in Ronaldo’s potential conversion to Islam, Waleed Abdullah’s insights shed light on the footballer’s journey towards deeper integration into Saudi life and culture. Whether or not Ronaldo converts to Islam, his respect for the local customs and his teammates is clear, making him a beloved figure in Saudi Arabia.