Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr boss Rudi Garcia struck by ex-colleague Juninho Pernambucano

A former colleague of Cristiano Ronaldo’s new manager has called him the “worst person” he has ever known in his football career in a hard-hitting character assassination.

Former Brazil international Juninho Pernambucano claimed Rudi Garcia would serve the former Manchester United striker his breakfast if needed to stay on his right-hand side.

The former midfielder, considered by many to be the greatest free-kick taker of all time, added: “He doesn’t know how to lead.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia (left) was thrashed by Juninho

Former Brazil international Juninho (right) clashed with Rudi Garcia when the pair played in Lyon

“He leads out of the fear he imposes on others.”

Juninho and current Al-Nassr boss Garcia met at Lyon when the Brazilian was the French club’s sporting director and the Frenchman was the manager.

The 40-time Brazil midfielder’s relationship with Ronaldo’s new boss was notoriously bad. Juninho said of Garcia leaving Lyon at the end of the 2020-21 season: “He’s a cold and calculating person, very suspicious and insecure.

Therefore, he instills fear in the staff and technical staff in general.’

Juninho claimed Garcia would “serve his breakfast” to Ronaldo if needed to keep him on the side

In an interview with Portuguese online sports site MaisFutebol, Juninho, whose real name is Antonio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Junior, said: “My experience with Rudi Garcia was terrible.

“He’s the worst character I’ve known in my entire football career.”

He confirmed he believed he would do his best to get close to Cristiano, adding: “He won’t dare to do anything obstructive.

“On the contrary, he will even serve Cristiano his breakfast if needed.

The former Brazil international claimed Garcia is determined to be the center of attention

“He’ll try to be his friend and do whatever he can to make it happen. It will be his dream to be friends with Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Rudi Garcia doesn’t care about the team’s success or the harmony in the dressing room.

“What is important to him is that he is at the center of every crisis.

“But like all cold people, he recognizes those who are better than him and tries to take advantage of them.

Ronaldo was unveiled in front of Al-Nassr fans at the club’s stadium on Tuesday

Ronaldo is unable to make his debut today as he has still not served a two-game FA suspension

“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest in football history, a legend and Rudi knows it.”

Juninho also said he was only speaking out of admiration for Cristiano, whom he ‘admired and respected’ because it sapped his energy to talk about Rudi Garcia.

Father-of-five Ronaldo, 37, dismissed criticism of his move to Al-Nassr during his official unveiling earlier this week, saying he was “proud” of his decision and claiming his work in Europe is done.

The Portugal international is said to have signed a contract worth around £173million until 2025, making him the highest-paid sportsman of all time.