Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, playing for Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal, revealed he received a message from the son of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al Nassr, ahead of the anticipated derby between the two teams in the Roshn Saudi League.
In an extensive interview with the Argentine account "DavooXeneizeJRR" on the platform X, Bounou discussed his experience in Saudi football and shared some behind-the-scenes moments involving global football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentine Lionel Messi of Inter Miami.
Regarding his current experience, Bounou said, "Al Hilal is a very big club. Perhaps in Argentina, you do not quite realize how strong Al Hilal is in the Arab world, but since I am from Morocco, I knew it was a very powerful club."
Bounou also talked about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr, Al Hilal's traditional rival. He confirmed that "the man from Madeira" is a very nice person and that there is a strong friendship between them at present.
The Al Hilal goalkeeper recalled a previous conversation with Cristiano Jr., Ronaldo's son: "I remember Ronaldo scored 4 goals against me at the Bernabéu when he was playing for Real Madrid." He continued, "Ronaldo was with his son after the match, and his son told me: 'Dad scored 4 goals against you.' Now, his son has grown up and is with him in Saudi Arabia, and Cristiano Jr. said to me: 'Bounou, we'll see when my dad will score some goals against you.'"
The 32-year-old Moroccan goalkeeper pointed out that Messi is the toughest player he has ever faced, saying, "He did a lot against me... He would appear in the area suddenly and put the ball in my net... For me, facing him is an honor, regardless of how many goals he scored against me."
Yassine Bounou is enjoying a great season with Al Hilal and is considered one of the main reasons his team is at the top of the Roshn Professional League, with 35 points, 4 points ahead of second-place Nassr, after 13 rounds of the league.
It is worth noting that the derby match between Al Nassr and Al Hilal will take place at the beginning of December in the 15th round of the Roshn Saudi Professional League.
