Cristiano Ronaldo considers missing key Al-Nassr match amid ongoing dispute
Cristiano Ronaldo’s ongoing conflict with the Saudi Pro League remains unresolved, with the veteran considering skipping Al-Nassr’s crucial encounter with Al-Ittihad tonight despite a stern warning from league officials, reports BritPanorama.
Frustrated by what he perceives as preferential treatment towards Al-Nassr’s rivals, Ronaldo opted to strike earlier this week, feeling that his club is at a disadvantage. This sentiment intensified after Al-Hilal secured the signing of Karim Benzema, a move Ronaldo found infuriating given that Al-Nassr only brought in a young Iraqi midfielder, Hayder Abdulkareem.
The Saudi Pro League responded on Thursday, condemning Ronaldo’s actions in a statement. “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules,” it said, insisting that decisions regarding recruitment and strategy rest with individual clubs. The league emphasized that it is committed to maintaining sustainability and competitive balance across all teams.
Despite the warning, journalist Fabrizio Romano noted that Ronaldo is contemplating extending his strike into the match. “Cristiano remains upset with the situation,” Romano disclosed, indicating that, while there are no fitness concerns preventing his participation, Ronaldo’s discontent with league management persists. Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain, with speculation about potential moves as he approaches retirement age.
As this saga unfolds, it highlights the tensions inherent within the sport’s evolving landscape in Saudi Arabia. The league’s rapid expansion and its impact on star players reflect not just on individual careers but also on broader competitive dynamics. The coming days may reveal whether Ronaldo’s frustrations will translate into action or if negotiation will prevail.
