Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed that the opportunity to coach Cristiano Ronaldo was a major factor in his decision to join the Saudi Arabian club.

Postecoglou, 61, was appointed Al Nassr manager in July on a two-year contract following the departure of Jorge Jesus, who has since been appointed head coach of Portugal.

The club has a star-studded squad that includes Sadio Mané, Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix alongside Ronaldo.

Speaking on the LiSTNR podcast The Howie Games and monitored by PUNCH Online on Friday, Postecoglou said working with Ronaldo and playing a small role in the story of one of football’s greatest players appealed to him.

“When I reflect on my career, what stands out for me is that I’ve been unbelievably blessed in being part of other people’s journeys,” Postecoglou said.

He recalled having legendary Hungarian player Ferenc Puskas as his coach during his playing career.

“When I was a player, Ferenc Puskas was my coach, one of the greatest players of all time. And just that association has been unbelievable for me because I’m a small part of that man’s story; a little small part, but a small part.”

Postecoglou also cited his work with Australia legend Tim Cahill and South Korean star Son Heung-min as examples of his involvement in the careers of outstanding players.

“With the Socceroos, I worked with arguably our greatest ever player in Timmy Cahill, so I’m a small part of his story. Sonny [Son Heung-min], the greatest ever Korean player, I’m a small part of his story.

“So, there’s no doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo’s here; you kind of go, I can become a small part of his story as well.

“And not from a selfish point of view, but for my own kind of life’s journey, of everything I wanted to do since I was a kid, you get associated with these people on the way.

“That was part of the attraction… Not that they’ll tell my story alongside it, but I can tell that story, and that was a part of it as well.”

Postecoglou has made an unbeaten start to the 2026-27 campaign with Al Nassr and was named the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Month for August.

The Australian will now aim to lead the club to the defence of their Saudi league title while also pursuing a first-ever Asian Champions League Elite crown.