New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo is not happy at Al-Nassr and has reportedly gone on a strike, refusing to play for the club. Ronaldo is one of the highest-earning footballers in the world and is arguably the biggest name in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo was not in Al-Nassr’s squad as they defeated Al Riyadh 1-0 in a Saudi Pro League match on Monday.
Sadio Mane scored the winning goal for Al-Nassr, who remain in the second spot on the Saudi Pro League points table with 46 points from 19 matches after their win over Al Riyadh. Ronaldo’s absence from the squad came as a surprise to many, as the 40-year-old is not injured and has been in great form so far this season.
As per Sky Sports, Ronaldo was not part of the squad as he appears to have gone on a strike over the running of the club. He is particularly unhappy about the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market this season, which has hampered his chances of winning his first Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr.
Why has Cristiano Ronaldo gone on strike at Al-Nassr?
Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy that Al-Nassr have not been allowed to reinforce their squad in the January transfer window, hampering their chances of winning the Saudi Pro League title. Al-Nassr is one of the four clubs owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Ronaldo believes the other three clubs – Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad are getting favoured by the owners in the transfer market, while Al-Nassr is being ignored. Al-Nassr have made only one signing in the January transfer window, roping in 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem.
Al Hilal, on the other hand, have been one of the busiest Saudi Pro League clubs in the January transfer window. Al Hilal signed former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema on a free transfer from Al Ittihad on Monday and have also completed deals for former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari and Rennes’ Kader Meite.
They are also close to signing French U21 international Saimon Bouabré from Neom for a fee of around $33 million. Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy with Al-Nassr’s lack of ambition in the transfer market and believes the PIF is backing the other three clubs with more money. The 40-year-old is reportedly training alone after disagreements with the top brass at Al-Nassr.
As per a report in the BBC, Ronaldo is particularly not happy with rivals Al Hilal signing Benzema on a free transfer from Al Ittihad to strengthen their attack midway through the season. Benzema joined Al Hilal on a free after salary disagreements at Al Ittihad.