Cristiano Ronaldo sends 3-word message to Pioli prior to Fiorentina move

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates victory with his coach Stefano Pioli after winning the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Riyadh and Al-Nassr at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad on November 8, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo thanked his former coach, Stefano Pioli, with an Italian message on social media as the ex-Milan boss formally leaves Al-Nassr to join Fiorentina.

Al-Nassr confirmed the termination of Pioli’s contract on Wednesday morning.

The Italian tactician, a 2021-22 Serie A winner with Milan, will be appointed as the new Fiorentina coach.

Al-Nassr confirm Pioli exit

“Al Nassr Club Company informs that Mr Pioli and his Staff are no more the acting coaching staff of the first team,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We would like to thank Mr Pioli and his staff for their dedicated work during the past season.”

Ronaldo thanked his former coach with a message in Italian on X, formerly Twitter: ‘Grazie per tutto’, meaning ‘thanks for everything.’

Football Italia reported the agreement between Fiorentina and Pioli on June 10, when the ex-Rossoneri boss had emerged as a candidate to replace Luciano Spalletti as Italy national team coach.

Ronaldo’s stats under Pioli

Ronaldo scored 31 goals in 36 games at Al-Nassr under Pioli.

The Saudi side hired the Italian tactician in September 2024, and the 59-year-old won 28 games from 44.

Fiorentina confirmed Raffaele Palladino’s exit after just one season at the end of May.

The Italian tactician terminated his contract with the Viola by mutual agreement.

Fiorentina finished the 2024-25 campaign in 6th position with 65 points, enough to play in the Conference League next season.

Fiorentina will confirm Pioli’s appointment in the coming hours.

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