Cristiano Ronaldo has officially ended his strike and will return to action for Al-Nassr, as he has been included in the squad to face Al-Fateh in the Saudi Pro League this Saturday. The 41-year-old football superstar, who earns a staggering £488,000 per day, was photographed with his teammates ahead of their flight, marking his comeback after a contentious absence.
Background of the Strike
Ronaldo missed three consecutive matches due to his strike, which reportedly stemmed from deep frustration over Al-Nassr's transfer spending compared to their rivals. Sources indicate he was furious at the club's perceived lack of investment in new players, a sentiment that has been brewing for some time.
Transfer Spending Disparities
The situation escalated when Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr's title rivals, secured the signing of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad. Benzema, a former Real Madrid teammate of Ronaldo, moved to Al-Hilal, highlighting the competitive imbalance in the league. This move only deepened Ronaldo's grievances, as he has been aggrieved by the financial disparities between the clubs.
Key Context: Saudi Public Investment Fund Control
A crucial element in this saga is that Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli are all majority-controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Despite this shared ownership, there have been significant differences in net spending. Reports reveal that since Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in the 2022-23 season, Al-Hilal's net spend has been approximately £180 million higher than that of his own team.
Implications for Al-Nassr
Ronaldo's return is a major boost for Al-Nassr as they aim to compete for the Saudi Pro League title. His strike had raised concerns about team morale and performance, but his inclusion in the squad suggests a resolution, at least temporarily. However, the underlying issues of transfer spending and club strategy may continue to influence his future with the team.
As the match against Al-Fateh approaches, all eyes will be on Ronaldo to see how he performs after his hiatus. More updates are expected as the situation develops, with potential implications for the broader dynamics of Saudi football under PIF's influence.
