Cristiano Ronaldo Strikes as Al-Nassr Tensions Boil; Man Utd Icon Furious
Reports indicate that Cristiano Ronaldo has gone on strike, refusing to participate in upcoming matches for Al-Nassr. The Portuguese superstar is reportedly furious about the club’s current situation and the lack of support in recent transfer activities.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Discontent at Al-Nassr
Ronaldo, who turns 41 this Thursday, is the highest-paid footballer globally, with earnings estimated at £488,000 per day. Despite a stellar season so far, where he has scored 18 goals in 22 matches, he is expected to miss the next game against Al-Riyadh.
Reasons Behind the Strike
Initially, it was suggested that Ronaldo was sidelined due to a physical issue. However, sources now suggest the real reason is his dissatisfaction with the club’s owners, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Ronaldo feels they have shown favoritism toward rival clubs in the Saudi Pro League during the transfer window, hindering Al-Nassr’s competitiveness.
- Notable signings by Al-Hilal include:
- Pablo Mari from Fiorentina
- Kader Meité from Rennes (£26 million deal)
- Negotiations for Saimon Bouabre (£26 million)
- Ronaldo has raised concerns about manager Jorge Jesus not receiving necessary reinforcements, with the only addition a young Iraqi midfielder, Haydeer Abdulkareem.
Management Tensions
Jorge Jesus had previously stated that Al-Nassr lacks the “political power” of rival club Al-Hilal, leading to calls for his suspension. Concurrently, Ronaldo’s colleagues in management, Simão Coutinho and José Semedo, have seen their influence diminish following a board decision earlier this month, further exacerbating his frustrations.
Al-Nassr’s Stakeholding and Future Prospects
The PIF holds a 75% controlling stake in multiple Saudi Pro League teams, including Al-Nassr. Their investment has attracted various international talents in recent years. Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, shortly after other stars like Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez moved to the region.
Since his arrival, Ronaldo has netted 117 goals in 133 appearances, leading the team to victory in the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. However, the unrest surrounding the club’s management and transfer strategies may pose challenges for the team’s aspirations moving forward.
