Ronaldo pushes for Saudi exit as strike continues

Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to push to leave the Saudi Pro League amid claims from the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend that his Al Nassr side are not being treated favourably by the authorities.

Ronaldo sat out Al Nassr’s 1-0 win over Al Riyadh on Monday and, according to ESPNFC, is also prepared to watch Friday’s clash against rivals Al-Ittihad from the sidelines.

Should the Portuguese not get the backing he wishes, he will ask to leave in the summer, one year before his contract expires.

Ronaldo tried to block Benzema deal

Ronaldo is unhappy because he believes that Al Nassr are not being supported in the transfer market to the same extent as the other Public Investment Fund-owned (PIF) clubs.

Saudi’s PIF owns the four major Pro League sides: Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

According to the 40-year-old, who has yet to win a major trophy in Saudi, his side are not getting the same backing as those others, leaving them at a disadvantage when it comes to challenging for titles.

Karim Benzema’s move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal appears to have been a particular catalyst for Ronaldo’s anger, with ESPN even reporting that he tried to block that move. Sources claim that the former Man Utd star is using this deal as evidence that PIF want Al Hilal to win the title.

Al-Nassr, meanwhile, have had nearly €100 million invested in the squad in transfer fees this season, with Mohamed Simakan, Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman all arriving for €25m+.

On top of this, Ronaldo has been left upset that compatriots Simao Coutinho, Al Nassr’s sporting director, and Jose Semedo, the CEO of the club, have both been suspended.

Ronaldo sends a message

Ronaldo has been training this week and posted an image of him working on his Instagram account in response to the rumours that have been circulating, but he is not expected to feature in their next game as things stand.

Al Nassr’s Instagram account notably omitted Ronaldo from any imagery posted on Wednesday.

His exit from Man Utd is proof that he is prepared to go to war with a club and see the battle through, even if it means that he is forced out the door. On that occasion, his dispute was with manager Erik ten Hag, who had left him out of the starting XI in certain games.

What’s next for Ronaldo should his dispute with the Saudi Pro League not end amicably is unclear, though there is a suggestion that he could return to Sporting CP – the club he started his career.

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