Persepolis fans will not enjoy watching Ronaldo, 38, on the pitch of Tehran's ninety-thousand-seat Azadi Stadium because the confederation sanctioned the Iranian team for posting a controversial tweet on its Instagram account in 2021, preventing the public from attending one match in Asian competitions.

Al-Nasr players arrived in Tehran amid heavy security from the "elite unit" specialized in presidential visits, according to the Iranian sports website "Farzish 3".

Giant banners were hung on the city's bridges bearing pictures of the five-time world player of the year, reading "Welcome", and fans rushed to try to catch a glimpse of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.

According to images published by Press TV, Ronaldo was seen receiving two Iranian luxury carpets by the president of Persepolis.

"It's very exciting," said 28-year-old Navid Berhanivar, a Ronaldo supporter, who hoped for a "beautiful match" between Al Nasr stars and Persepolis.

The match is a revenge match for Al Nasr, who lost to Iran in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League in 2020.

Al Nasr also includes Brazilians Talisca and Malcom, Senegalese Sadio Mane, Croatian Marcelo Brozovic, ivory Sekou Fofana and Spaniard Aymeric Laporte.