3 days Ago By [email protected] (Alan Smith)
Jhon Duran has been so blown away by sharing a pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo that he feels like they are in a video game. The Colombia striker, 21, signed for Al Nassr in a £64m deal from Aston Villa at the end of January that will see him earn £320,000 per week tax free for the next five years. His Villa deal, by comparison, was £70,000 a week before deductions.
And he has settled in immediately by scoring four goals in his first two Saudi Pro League fixtures as a strike partner with Ronaldo, who recently turned 40. Having scored a brace against Al Ahli on Thursday night, Duran described lining up next to the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star as: "It feels like I'm playing FIFA Career Mode. I'm celebrating goals with Cristiano Ronaldo.
" The 3-2 win against Al Ahli kept Stefano Pioli’s team in third place. Duran opened the scoring before scoring the winner with a fine individual effort two minutes from time. Having received possession on the right flank in his own half, he powered forward and evaded two challenges before making his way into the penalty area and finishing.
Al Nassr face Persepolis away in the final league phase game of the AFC Champions League on Monday night. They are already assured of a spot in the round of 16 after taking 16 points from their opening seven fixtures but trail domestic rivals Al Hilal and Al Ahli in the table. Al Nassr are eight points behind leaders Al Ittihad in the Pro League, with Al Hilal four points ahead in second spot, after 20 fixtures.
Duran's former side Villa, meanwhile, slipped to ninth following a disappointing home draw against Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon. They face pacesetters Liverpool on Wednesday night. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.
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