Cristiano Ronaldo is set to end his recent absence and return to play for Al Nassr this Saturday in a vital Saudi Pro League (SPL) match against Al Fateh. The football superstar, who is 41 years old, has missed his team’s last two league games and an Asian Champions League match due to dissatisfaction with the management of his club.
Ronaldo’s grievances revolve around concerns that Al Nassr is not receiving adequate financial backing compared to their rivals, Al Hilal. The forward has expressed frustration particularly over Al Hilal’s recent acquisitions, including high-profile players like Karim Benzema, which he perceives as preferential treatment. Despite this, he received assurances from club officials that prompted his decision to rejoin the team for the crucial match.
In his absence, Al Nassr has managed to secure victories in all three matches, including a notable win against Al Ittihad, showcasing the team’s strength without their talisman. With Ronaldo’s return, they will aim to reclaim a strong position in the league, potentially moving to second place, just one point behind the leaders.
The SPL has taken note of Ronaldo’s discontent and issued a statement clarifying that every club operates independently under the same governance rules. They emphasized that decisions related to recruitment and financial strategies are determined internally, maintaining the integrity and competitiveness of the league. Officials have expressed surprise at Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction, especially given his lucrative contract, reportedly worth £500,000 a day, and the continued financial support from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Ronaldo still has 18 months remaining on his contract, which includes a summer release clause, but the league believes in its competitive balance with only a few points separating the leading teams. The SPL maintains that the focus should remain on the football played on the pitch, and the ongoing title race illustrates the effectiveness of their approach to club management.
As Ronaldo steps back onto the field, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this return marks a new chapter in his tenure at Al Nassr and the impact it will have on the ongoing SPL season.