Cristian Tello roomed with Lionel Messi and now is joining rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia

After being released by Los Angeles FC who he helped to MLS Cup glory, Al-Fateh moved to snap him up.

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A forward by trade, Tello is someone who has kept esteemed company during his career.

The 31-year-old started his youth career at Barcelona, before moving to Espanyol where he established himself in the B team, before heading back to the Nou Camp.

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There, Tello made 39 appearances for Barcelona's B team, before playing 89 times for the senior side where he was a roommate of Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, scoring 20 goals and getting 14 assists.

Despite his status as one of the club's most talented young forwards, Tello found it difficult to establish himself as a reliable member of the first team squad.

This was due to intense competition from Pedro, David Villa, Alexis Sanchez, Neymar and of course, Messi.

After failing to establish himself, he then enjoyed loan spells with Porto and Fiorentina, before joining Real Betis in 2017 where he spent five years, making 172 appearances and scoring 24 goals.

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With Ronaldo's new club Al-Nassr being the team to catch in the Saudi Pro League, the ambitions of Tello and Al-Fateh are more modest with the club currently sitting in eighth spot after winning six and losing seven of their 13 games so far this term.

But he could get a chance to shine against the former Real Madrid, Juventus and Man United forward next week.

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Al-Fateh take on Al-Nassr on 3 February.

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