After refusing to play for his Al Nassr against Al Riyadh (1:0), Ronaldo does not want to play in the following match either because he thinks the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is treating his club unfairly.
Ronaldo is asking the PIF for changes regarding the management of clubs in the Saudi Pro League, with the view that the said fund favors Al Hilal over Al Nassr.
What’s going on?
Sources told ESPN that Ronaldo tried to block the transfer of French star Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal on Monday because he felt the move was unfair, and indicated that the PIF wanted to pave the way for Al Hilal to win the title.
Ronaldo, who has been training with his team this week, posted a photo of himself on social media on Wednesday. In it, he wears the club’s training uniform. But on the official posts of Al Nassr’s X account, there were only pictures of coach Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo’s teammates in training.
Behind the scenes, he made it clear that his return to action is dependent on the swift reactivation of Al Nassr’s management powers and, of course, that the interference he suffered in the recently closed transfer window will not be repeated in mid-year.
In recent months, Al Nassra sporting director Simão Coutinho and club chief executive José Semedo, both Portuguese, have been suspended from their posts by the PIF, angering Ronaldo and slowing the arrival of top signings to a team managed by compatriot Jorge Jesus.
In addition, there was a significant reduction in club costs.
Al Hilal, meanwhile, received major financial support from Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, a billionaire businessman who is one of the club’s benefactors, to bolster the squad.
Sources told ESPN that all of Al Hilal’s signings in this transfer window, including Benzema, were financed by Prince Al Waleed, who is part of a group that owns 25% of the club, while the remaining 75% is owned by PIF.
He could leave for the summer
According to sources, Cristiano Ronaldo is very unhappy with the situation at Al Nassr, considering that he has not yet won a major trophy since arriving at the club in 2022. Although he has offers from Europe and the United States, he does not want to leave Saudi Arabia because it could disrupt his preparations for the World Cup.
Last summer, Ronaldo extended his contract with Al Nassr until June 2027, with a buyout clause of 50 million euros. The Saudi Pro League, as well as the PIF, do not want to lose their biggest ambassador and have promised him big investments during the summer. Among the names mentioned as potential reinforcements is his compatriot Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United.
Al Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada said he does not understand the frustrations of Ronaldo and Al Nassr, stressing that the club did not have a bad transfer window. He also emphasized the strong rivalry in Saudi football, which was further strengthened by the arrival of big stars.
The arrival of Karim Benzema, who previously won the title and the King’s Cup with Al Ittihad, was especially highlighted. Calzada said that Al Hilal is delighted with the signing of the Ballon d’Or winner, emphasizing its sporting and commercial importance.
Al Hilal currently lead the Saudi Pro League by a point ahead of Al Nassr and, according to Calzada, are ready to fight for all the trophies this season.
(Vijesti.ba)
