Cristiano Ronaldo's presence makes things 'more difficult' for the team, according to his new manager

• There are challenges for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr to overcome in the Saudi Pro League.
• Opposition players are more motivated to play well against Ronaldo, the Al Nassr team boss said.

Things aren't going as planned for world soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo at his new team Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

The 38-year-old joined the Riyadh club after setting the sport in Europe ablaze due to his goal-scoring exploits at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.

As per The Guardian, the deal Ronaldo signed set the record for the highest soccer salary in history, as it's worth an expected $215 million each year up to 2025.

To date, the player may not have returned value for money as he's scored just once in three appearances — and the Al Nassr team boss believes his presence makes things more challenging for the team.

"Cristiano Ronaldo's presence makes the games more difficult for us," Luiz Gustavo told RT Arabic. "All the teams try to play against him in the best possible way, and he motivates everyone to give his best."

Not everything is so bad, though

Ronaldo has a wealth of experience competing at the highest levels, having left Europe as a five-time Champions League winner, with seven league championship titles in three different countries and two major honors with the Portugal national team.

Gustavo said Ronaldo is as renowned for his work ethic as he is for his attacking nous, and this may well be rubbing off on his teammates in Saudi Arabia.

The Brazilian soccer coach said: "His presence in the team gives a great advantage to the group because we learn from him every day, given the great abilities he possesses both technically and physically."

Al Nassr, meanwhile, is looking to add further big-name signings to its roster as Spanish publication Marca reports that the club has offered a two-year contract to FC Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets.

Al Nassr is next in action Thursday for a Saudi Pro League match at Al-Wehda.

The club is currently top of the division with 34 points from 15 matches played.