According to Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung, Ronaldo arrived at Salzburg Airport by private jet on 26/7 and stayed with the Al Nassr team at the Gut Brandlhof hotel in Saalfelden.

A fan takes a photo with Cristiano Ronaldo inside the Gut Brandlhof hotel.

Ronaldo's presence caused a stir in Saalfelden, disrupting the town's usual tranquility. Hundreds of fans gathered at the Gut Brandlhof hotel day and night, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idol.

The fans' enthusiasm quickly turned chaotic. Some young fans reportedly knocked on Ronaldo's door, angering the 40-year-old forward, who threatened, "I will call the police".

Many fans expressed disappointment with Ronaldo's aloofness, especially after spending thousands of USD on the trip.

On 27/7, Ronaldo made a surprise appearance, signing autographs for fans. Although the Al Nassr striker appeared unenthusiastic, his actions brought many young fans to tears. "They couldn't believe their eyes," Kronen Zeitung reported.

The hotel increased security, supplementing the 16 bodyguards Al Nassr provided for Ronaldo. However, they still couldn't prevent the crowds from entering the hotel. "When the fans entered the hotel, we weren't positioned to stop them in time," a security guard admitted.

Hotel owner Alexander Strobl expressed concern: "If Al Nassr returns next year, we will have to take a completely different approach. Many people think that just staying in the same hotel gives them the right to ask Ronaldo for photos or autographs. That's not true".

Strobl had never witnessed such chaos in over 30 years of hosting major football teams. "Many clubs have come here, including Liverpool, but it has never been this crowded and chaotic. Many people tried to approach Ronaldo, asking for photos and autographs. At times, it was truly excessive," he said.

Cristiano Ronaldo signs autographs for fans outside the Gut Brandlhof hotel. Photo: Bild

Cristiano Ronaldo signs autographs for fans outside the Gut Brandlhof hotel. Photo: Bild

According to Strobl, Al Nassr only booked about a third of the hotel's 200 rooms. This meant public areas like the lobby and hallways remained open to other guests, including those who booked rooms solely to meet Ronaldo. "Staying in the same hotel as Ronaldo doesn't automatically grant you the right to an autograph or a photo," the hotel owner added.

Ronaldo and his teammates will train for almost a month before starting the new season against Al Ittihad in the Super Cup semi-final on 19/8.

Hong Duy (Aftonbladet)