RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo’s relationship with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr might have soured, with several media reports claiming that the Portuguese star might be looking to move on from the team.
The five-time Ballon d’Or was absent from Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League match against Al Riyadh on Monday, with Portuguese media outlet A Bola suggesting he might have gone on a strike over the club’s lack of activity in the winter transfer window.
His return to the squad remains uncertain, despite him posting a picture from Al Nassr’s training ground.
Nassr will play Al Ittihad on Friday and trails table-topper Al Hilal by a point after 19 matches. A win could prove crucial for Nassr, propelling the team to the top of the league.
Saudi officials hope the former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker would feature in the game as he is contractually obliged to play unless he is injured.
Ronaldo, earning a reported £500,000 a day, still has 18 months left on his contract. However, he also has a £43m (€50m) summer release clause.
Ronaldo, who turned 41 today, has scored 111 goals and provided 22 assists in 127 appearances for the Saudi Pro League side since his move from Manchester United in 2022.
However, he has failed to win the Saudi Pro League title so far, with the Arab Club Champions Cup being his only trophy with the team.
Agencies