Cristiano Ronaldo has a new team-mate, as Al-Nassr have signed Australian defender Aziz Behich on loan from Melbourne City.
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Behich joins Al-Nassr on loanSigned on a six-month loanCurrently at the Asian Cup with AustraliaGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
After spending almost a decade in Europe with teams like PSV Eindhoven, Buraspor and Dundee United, Behich returned to Australia with Melbourne City last year. He has now caught the attention of Al-Nassr and signed with the Saudi Pro League club, joining them on a six-month-long loan. Al-Nassr have been trying to recruit talent in January as they look to fight back against league leaders Al-Hilal, who hold a seven-point lead atop the table.
AdvertisementWHAT BEHICH SAID
"It happened fast for me as well," Behich told reporters [via ESPN]. "I just got a call yesterday and then escalated from there. The interest went to City and then for me, it was just an opportunity that I couldn't pass on. I'm grateful for it. I'm excited about it and I'm thankful for City for letting me take this chance.
"It happened very late last night, pretty much towards the end of the window, so everything was pretty rushed. I've tried to stay away from the social media part for now but I know they've got a massive fan base over there and I've watched games of them this year. With how good the Saudi league's going and growing, I'm really excited to be a part of it."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Australian is currently in Qatar with his national team as they participate in the AFC Asian Cup. The Socceroos have impressed so far at the competition having made it to the quarter-finals, with a tie against South Korea up next. The 33-year-old's signing at Al-Nassr was announced barely an hour after South Korea beat Saudi Arabia on penalties in their last-16 tie.
WHAT NEXT FOR BEHICH?
The left-back will be in action with the Australian national team when they take on Son Heung-min's South Korea side in the quarter-finals on Friday, February 2. Behich will likely join his new team-mates at Al-Nassr mid-way through the month.