Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at criticism of Joao Felix’s decision to join Al-Nassr, calling detractors “idiots” after a Portuguese podcast mocked the forward’s summer transfer. Felix swapped Chelsea for the Saudi Pro League in a £26 million deal and has already made an impact with three goals and an assist in his opening games.

The move sparked debate, with many questioning why the 24-year-old left Europe so early in his career after turbulent spells at Chelsea, AC Milan, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. But Ronaldo, who has been instrumental in Al-Nassr’s rise, rushed to his teammate’s defence on Instagram, writing: “Idiots don’t understand anything about football, yet they still give their opinions,” before later deleting the post.

Ronaldo is also believed to have played a key role in convincing Felix to make the switch. The forward admitted: “He was one of the first to talk to me about coming here, and when he talked to me, I felt a wonderful moment and a beautiful feeling. That helped convince me.”