“Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Al Riyadh. His absence is not related to any physical problem, nor to his workload”. Fabrizio Romano’s ‘tweet’ lit the ‘fuse’.The ‘bomb’ exploded when CR7 fulfilled his ‘threat’. The former Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player was left out of the squad for the victory against Al Riyadh (0-1). The reason? The Portuguese understands that the recruitment policy of the Saudi Arabian Sovereign Wealth Fund – owner of Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad – is detrimental to Al Nassr.
The transfer of Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal has been the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’. “Cristiano believes that PIF [the investment fund] is hindering Al Nassr’s signings to prevent the team from winning the title,” says ‘Record’. It is worth remembering that, after 19 rounds of matches, only one point separates Al Nassr (46) from leaders Al Hilal (47).
Cristiano believes PIF is blocking Al Nassr signings to prevent team from winning title
“Cristiano feels he deserves more respect”
It is not known, at the moment, if Ronaldo will maintain his ‘sit-in’ in time. However, CR7’s ‘challenge’ remains on the table. According to ‘Record’, Cristiano seriously considers the possibility of leaving Saudi Arabia in June“He feels he deserves more respect, considering the pivotal role he played in driving Saudi football forward and taking it to unprecedented levels. In addition, he accepted the role of ambassador for the 2034 World Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia, to give greater visibility to the competition,” insists Record.
The former Real Madrid player is under contract until 2027 – he renewed for 200 million a year, but he has a release clause to cling to in order to force his departure. Offers, despite being about to turn 41, will not be lacking. The United States is emerging as a potential destination, although a return to Europe is also not ruled out. It would ‘only’ remain to find a team that would pay the 50 million euros stipulated in his contract
In Saudi Arabia, there are even those who already consider him a lost cause. “They promised him, so he renewed. He waited for their promises, but they disappointed him. Thank you, Fenomeno. Goodbye,” wrote sports journalist Adel Al-Mulhim on ‘X’.
He was promised, so he renewed. He waited for their promises, but they let him down. Thank you, Fenomeno. Goodbye
Al Nassr joins Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘blackout’
Cristiano is not alone in his fight. Al Nassr supports him. That is, at least, what can be deduced from the ‘blackout’ (informative blackout) that the team maintained after their victory over Al Riyadh (0-1).
According to Thmanyah Sports, the management banned players from accessing the mixed zone. Apparently, Jorge Jesus also did not offer the interview or the post-match press conference. A decision that, according to the Disciplinary and Ethical Code of the Saudi Pro League, could cost Al Nassr 6,700 euros. There was, however, something more important at stake
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