Watch ‘inspirational’ Cristiano Ronaldo square up to giant UFC legend Francis Ngannou as he prepares for Al-Nassr debut

CRISTIANO RONALDO and former UFC heavyweight champion Franci Ngannou jokingly went face-to-face after meeting in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

The football icon, 37, completed a free transfer to Al-Nassr after having his contract at Manchester United ripped up following a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.

In that sit-down chat, Ronaldo accused United of betrayal, while also claiming he does not respect the manager, Erik ten Hag.

A dismal World Cup campaign followed, which saw the five-time Ballon d'Or winner score just once and be benched by hotshot Goncalo Ramos for the knockout stages.

Portugal lost in the quarter-finals to Morocco, with Ronaldo departing the pitch in floods of tears.

Long-time rival Lionel Messi went on to captain Argentina to their third-ever World Cup.

It didn't stop Ronaldo from scoring two against Messi's Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week, though.

On Saturday, Ronaldo linked up with MMA free agent Ngannou, who left the UFC following a contract dispute.

The pair jokingly went face-to-face before hugging it out.

Ngannou, who is still recovering from injury after undergoing surgery to repair the ACL and MCL in his right knee last year, described 37-year-old Ronaldo as "inspirational".

He said on Twitter: "Great talking with the GOAT in Riyadh today. Very inspirational!"

Ronaldo is set to make his competitive Al-Nassr debut on Sunday against Ettifaq.

Ngannou, meanwhile, is mulling over a switch to boxing.

The Cameroonian got in the ring with Tyson Fury last year after the WBC heavyweight champ saw off Dillian Whyte inside Wembley.