Cristiano Ronaldo Resumes Al-Nassr Duties After Club Addresses Grievances
Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially concluded his strike action against Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, bringing an end to a brief but significant period of tension. The 41-year-old Portuguese superstar, who commands a staggering weekly salary of approximately £448,000, had abstained from participating in two crucial matches for the team. This included Friday's 2-0 triumph over Al Ittihad and last week's victory against Al Riyadh, despite his pivotal role in the squad.
Transfer Window Frustrations Spark Initial Boycott
The root cause of Ronaldo's protest stemmed from deep-seated frustrations regarding the club's perceived lack of ambition and decisive action during the recent transfer window. Sources indicate that Ronaldo was particularly incensed after witnessing league rival Al-Hilal, another club under the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), successfully lure his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema away from Al-Ittihad. This move highlighted what Ronaldo viewed as Al-Nassr's comparative inactivity and failure to strengthen its roster competitively.
Internal Power Dynamics and Salary Delays Exacerbate Tensions
Further compounding the situation were internal issues within Al-Nassr's management structure. Reports from outlets such as A Bola suggest that the club had previously curtailed the authority of key directors Jose Semedo and Simao Coutinho, hindering their ability to execute transfers during the January window. Semedo, appointed as chief executive in July and a close confidant of Ronaldo, alongside sporting director Coutinho, who joined over the summer, saw their powers reinstated as part of the resolution efforts.
Additionally, Ronaldo expressed discontent over unequal treatment within the club, specifically pointing to repeated delays in salary payments for staff members. In a bid to appease the star player and ensure his return to the pitch, Al-Nassr is believed to have settled these outstanding payments, addressing both financial and ethical concerns raised by Ronaldo.
Ronaldo's Scheduled Return and Upcoming Fixtures
With the disputes now resolved, Cristiano Ronaldo has committed to returning to action for Al-Nassr. According to insider sources, he will make his comeback in the match against Al Fateh scheduled for February 14. Notably, Ronaldo will not feature in the squad's midweek AFC Cup away tie against Turkmenistan side Arkadag, opting instead to focus on his return when the Saudi Pro League resumes on Saturday. This strategic decision underscores his prioritization of domestic league commitments following the resolution of internal conflicts.
The resolution marks a critical moment for Al-Nassr, as retaining the services of a player of Ronaldo's caliber is essential for their competitive aspirations in the Saudi Pro League and beyond. The club's swift action to address transfer policies and internal payment issues demonstrates a commitment to maintaining harmony and ambition within the team, setting the stage for a potentially strengthened performance in upcoming matches.
