Cristiano Ronaldo Affirms His Commitment to Saudi Arabia After Ending Brief Strike
Cristiano Ronaldo has finally broken his silence regarding his future, decisively putting an end to widespread speculation by declaring, 'I belong to Saudi Arabia.' This statement comes after the 41-year-old football legend decided to conclude his recent strike action, which had raised serious questions about his continued presence in the Saudi Pro League.
Return to Action and Goal-Scoring Form
Ronaldo made a triumphant return to the pitch last week for Al-Nassr, showcasing his enduring talent by scoring a brace in a commanding 4-0 victory over Al-Hazem on Saturday. This performance not only highlighted his skill but also signaled his renewed focus on the team's objectives after a period of unrest.
Background of the Strike and Transfer Discontent
The situation had escalated when Ronaldo, who earns an astonishing £488,000 per day, expressed frustration over what he perceived as insufficient transfer backing for Al-Nassr from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) compared to their rivals. This discontent intensified following Karim Benzema's transfer to Al-Hilal, prompting Ronaldo to go on strike for three consecutive games. His absence and behavior during this period led to intense scrutiny and doubts about his future in the league.
Ronaldo's Reassuring Comments and Future Plans
When questioned about the ongoing speculation on Saturday, Ronaldo provided a clear and positive response. He stated, 'I’m very happy. As I say so many times, I belong to Saudi Arabia. It’s a country that welcomed me, my family and my friends very well. I’m happy here. I want to continue here.' He emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on title rivals, adding, 'Our job is to win, make pressure [on our title rivals], and let’s see. We are on track. We’re back, we are good, we are confident. Game by game. We are in good shape. Let’s see what’s going to happen.'
These remarks underscore Ronaldo's commitment to Al-Nassr and his appreciation for the warm reception he has received in Saudi Arabia, effectively quelling rumors of an imminent departure and reinforcing his role in the team's pursuit of success.
