Cristiano Ronaldo ends Al-Nassr strike as Man Utd return message sent

Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to return to action for Al-Nassr after the Portugal international star elected to end his strike.

Ronaldo had been left frustrated by the Saudi club’s owners, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), believing they had prioritised strengthening their other teams in the Pro League.

The 41-year-old missed matches against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad but will return for the clash against Al-Fateh.

Romano confirms Ronaldo return

Fabrizio Romano confirmed: “An important update concerns Cristiano Ronaldo, who is officially back and available for Al-Nassr after recent internal discussions.”

“There has been a lot of confusion around the situation, so it is important to clarify that the issue was never between Cristiano and Al-Nassr directly.

“The tension was linked to discussions at the highest level with PIF, regarding strategic decisions, budgets and transfer plans.

“Cristiano maintains an excellent relationship with the club management, coaching staff, team-mates and everyone working daily at Al-Nassr.

“He trained with the squad in recent days, has travelled with the team and will play against Al-Fateh. The decision has been made.“Cristiano maintains an excellent relationship with the club management, coaching staff, team-mates and everyone working daily at Al-Nassr.

“He trained with the squad in recent days, has travelled with the team and will play against Al-Fateh. The decision has been made.

PIF score Ronaldo victory

Ronaldo had been sent a clear message by the Pro League that no player is bigger than their club.

In a statement, it said: “Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al-Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.”

That the striker has backed down is a clear victory for the Pro League.

Why Man Utd return will ‘never’ happen

But while Ronaldo’s short-term future is destined to be with Al-Nassr, there are lingering doubts over what lies ahead for him in the summer.

Although he has a contract until 2027, the unsettled hitman has been linked with a potential return to Manchester United.

However, that has been shot down by former United chief scout Mick Brown.

“No way. It won’t happen,” he told Football Insider. “There are a number of reason why it won’t. They aren’t even going to consider it and to be honest I don’t think Ronaldo will either.

“When he left before, I think that damaged the relationship a little bit because of everything that went on with the manager and how critical he was of the club, rightly or wrongly.

“I don’t see any world in which Ronaldo comes back to Man United, even if he does leave Saudi Arabia.

“There will be other clubs in for him because of who he is and all of that, so I’m sure he’ll get a move if that’s what he wants, but it won’t be to Man United.”

What next for Ronaldo?

Ronaldo has been touted for a potential move to MLS, where his historic rivalry with Lionel Messi could being a fresh – and surely final – chapter.

There is also the possibility that he returns to Sporting CP, the club at which he came through the academy. He maintains close links with the Portuguese side, but the financial aspect of the move could prove difficult to manage.

Related stories:

Cristiano Ronaldo makes final decision on Saudi strike as new demands revealed

Ronaldo faces race against time to hit 1000 goals as retirement revelation made

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