It seems that tensions between Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr persist in Arab football. The Portuguese star has missed two official matches and does not seem to have any intention of turning up for the third, which is a critical situation for a club that aspires to break the drought and finally be crowned league champion, a championship that would also represent the first for Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
Amid this controversy, a supposed text message from Karim Benzema to Cristiano Ronaldo has been leaked, which may have contributed to the Portuguese’s anger
What did Karim Benzema say to Cristiano Ronaldo?
The content of the message, described as a joke, is said to have caused discomfort and reactions on and off the pitch.
According to Telegraph Sport, a source close to the situation said that Benzema told Ronaldo about his move to Al-Ittihad, ironically commenting that his change of club would allow him to win the league and receive a pay rise. Although the tone was apparently light-hearted, the context did not help to calm tempers.
The rapprochement between Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo did not come at a good time, as the Portuguese is going through a period of discontent with Al-Nassr, a club he considers to be at a disadvantage compared to other projects backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Why doesn’t Cristiano Ronaldo want to play for Al-Nassr?
After the close of the winter transfer window, Ronaldo was not included in the squad for his team’s next two matches, which several reports interpreted as a silent protest. This is because, while Al-Hilal strengthened their squad with high-profile figures, Al-Nassr only brought in players of lesser media and sporting impact.
Although reports indicate that Ronaldo‘s annoyance is not directed directly at Benzema, the message is said to have been the trigger for a deeper malaise related to the management of the league and competitive balance.
Benzema responds on the pitch
Away from the controversy, Karim Benzema had a stunning debut for Al-Hilal, scoring a hat-trick in the 6-0 thrashing of Al-Okhdood. The Frenchman was in the starting line-up by coach Simone Inzaghi’s decision and responded with goals.
That performance kept Al-Hilal at the top of the standings and increased the pressure on Al-Nassr, who are chasing their direct rivals in the title race.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema shared a dressing room at Real Madrid for many years, however the relationship between the two has oscillated between camaraderie and enmity in the past, now another chapter is added to the complete relationship between these two legends of world football.
Read the full article here
