Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, has refused to play for his Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in protest at his team’s financial backing compared to other Saudi sides.
The Manchester United legend was nowhere to be seen as Al-Nassr secured a 1-0 win over Al-Riyadh on Monday. Ronaldo was incensed that Haydeer Abdulkareem, 21, was the club’s only signing of the mid-season transfer window, despite manager Jorge Jesus pleading for more recruits.
Meanwhile, rivals Al-Hilal splashed out £26m each on Kader Meite and Saimon Bouabre, while also prising Pablo Mari from Fiorentina – and a free transfer swoop for ex-Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. But the league defended the business by claiming each club operated independently.
A statement read: “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules. Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, has refused to play for his Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in protest at his team’s financial backing compared to other Saudi sides. (Photo: Getty Images)placeholder image
Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, has refused to play for his Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in protest at his team’s financial backing compared to other Saudi sides. (Photo: Getty Images) | Getty Images
“Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.”
They boldly insisted no player – no matter their stature – could affect top level decisions. Sky Sports recently reported that Saudi Arabian football officials are losing patience with the football superstar as he is considering extending his strike.
Read More
Ronaldo reportedly wants to continue his one-man protest by missing a second game today (Friday 6 February), even though he is fully fit and training with his team-mates. Officials are hoping he has made his point and Friday's game will be too big for him to miss, and have urged him to return to the pitch. Al Nassr could go top of the Saudi Pro League on Friday.
Ronaldo signed a two-year deal with Al Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United following an explosive television interview in which he said that he felt "betrayed" by the Old Trafford club - and "did not respect" the team's then-manager, Erik ten Hag. The Portugal international reportedly became the first billionaire footballer last year.
Continue Reading