Jhon Duran shows true colours with nine-word message to Cristiano Ronaldo after Aston Villa transfer
Jhon Duran has formed a devastating front pairing with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran has hit the ground running since his reported £65million move to Al-Nassr.
The 21-year-old left Villa to join the Saudi Pro League club in the January transfer window.
He made his debut for Al-Nassr against Al-Wasl in the AFC Champions League and scored his first goal during their 3-0 win over Al-Fayha on Monday, netting twice in that game.
Duran followed that up with another brace, this time in a vital 3-2 success at fellow big-hitters Al-Ahli on Thursday.
Duran's second goal was a thing of beauty.
Although the defending on show could be questioned, the Colombian received the ball on the half-way line and dribbled past two players with ease before driving a low shot beyond ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who stood little chance.
After that game, Duran posted on Instagram and praised his side's "excellent teamwork" and "fight" to beat Al-Ahli, who boast the likes of Ivan Toney and Riyad Mahrez in attack.
His Al-Nassr teammate Cristiano Ronaldo also decided to post on social media.
The 40-year-old five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has 649m Instagram followers, said: "UNTIL THE VERY END!!"
Duran then replied to Ronaldo's post with a message that speaks volumes over his exit from Villa, hinting that playing alongside the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star was a contributing factor.
Duran and Ronaldo have started as a front pair in each of the last three matches since his arrival.
He said: "I'm in FIFA mode, celebrating with the best ever," along with face with open mouth emoji, dashing away emoji, yellow love heart emoji, blue love heart emoji, two teddy bear emojis and a yellow love heart emoji.
Despite this, Duran once snubbed Ronaldo while naming Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his idol. In a recent interview, Duran said: "I love him for his personality, his self-confidence, his goal-scoring ability, and his temperament on the pitch.
"He always said: 'Why be like everyone else when you can be different?'
"So, I really appreciate the way he approaches football and life, and I admire that example."