Al Nassr CEO Guido Fienga said Cristiano Ronaldo “does not control the club” but stressed the important role the Portugal captain plays in the team.
The comments come after suggestions that Ronaldo has too much influence at the club regarding decisions on and off the pitch.
On Wednesday, Al Nassr sacked Portuguese coach Luis Castro after just one win in three league games and replaced him with Italian coach Stefano Pioli.
Speaking at a club event on Wednesday, Fienga said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is our captain and he is the strongest player in the world, not only technically but also for his behaviour.
“Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't control the club, but obviously, being the world number one, he gives us the direction of where we have to go and what goals we have to achieve. He's a winner and we ask him to teach us how to win.”
Ronaldo, 39, has won just one title, the Arab Club Champions Cup, since joining Al Nassr in December 2022 from Manchester United.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored 62 goals for Al Nassr and his thirst for success at the club was evidenced by his tears after defeat in the Copa del Rey final to Al Hilal in May saw them end the season trophyless.
“He's a winner and we asked him to teach us how to win,” Fienga said of the former Real Madrid star.
“We want to win with him this year and achieve the best possible goal. Cristiano is part of the team and we are very happy to have him in our squad.”
Ronaldo missed Al Nassr's 1-1 draw with Al Shorta in the revamped Asian Champions League on Monday through illness, in what turned out to be Castro's final game in charge.
“Step by step we will improve,” said Fienga.
“This summer we must not forget that we have invested almost 100 million dollars in new players. I think we have done a good job to strengthen the club with some good players that we needed… we have to work and give stability to the club so that it works and produces value and does not destroy value every six months.”
