Al Nassr to appoint Portuguese as manager after Ronaldo’s request

Portuguese coach Luis Castro is leaving Brazilian club Botafogo to become the manager of Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr, according to sources, ESPN said.

Al Nassr had been looking for a new manager since April, and Cristiano Ronaldo personally contacted Castro to convince him to take the job.

Castro will sign a two-year contract with Al Nassr, with an option for a third year. His contract with Botafogo will expire at the end of the year, and Al Nassr will pay €2.3 million as part of his release clause.

The club from Rio de Janeiro issued a statement to address Castro’s future: “Regarding the media reports around coach Luis Castro, Botafogo inform that he has signed a contract with the club until March 2024”

“Botafogo is preparing for an important match this Thursday, against Magallanes, for Conmebol Sudamericana, where the group first place is in play… Everyone is fully focused on tonight’s game.”

Castro became Botafogo’s coach in March 2022 after managing Qatari club Al-Duhail SC temporarily. He has led Botafogo to 42 wins, 14 draws, and 23 losses in 79 games.

Botafogo has won 10 of their 12 league games this season and is currently in the lead of Brazil’s top flight, seven points ahead of Gremio.