Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his strike at Al-Nassr following showdown talks, but reports suggest he was riled by a gloating message from former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward refused to play in matches against Al-Ittihad and Al-Riyadh in protest over a lack of transfer activity and diminished influence of his allies at the Saudi Pro League club.
According to The Telegraph, Benzema, who joined Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad in the January transfer window, allegedly boasted about receiving a pay rise and moving to a club that would win the league. Al-Hilal sit one point clear of Al-Nassr at the top of the table, having also signed Mohamed Meite, Pablo Mari and several Saudi internationals, while Al-Nassr had a quiet window.
Ronaldo's strike prompted the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) to issue a statement defending the independence of clubs. A spokesperson said: 'Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance.'
The forward has now returned to training and is expected to feature against Al-Fateh this weekend. However, tensions remain, and a summer transfer is possible. Ronaldo has a release clause of around £43 million, with European and MLS clubs reportedly interested.
Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has indicated he will not sign a new contract until he knows Ronaldo's plans. The former Manchester United star earns approximately £488,000 per day under his current deal, which runs until 2027.
