Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh
Riyadh, Feb 5: Speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported stand-off with Al Nassr appears to be easing, with the Portuguese superstar returning to team training ahead of the club’s high-stakes Saudi Pro League clash against Al Ittihad.
Ronaldo, who turns 41 on Thursday, is expected to feature in Friday’s encounter, a match that could have a major impact on the league standings. A victory for Al Nassr would propel them to the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
The veteran forward shared an image of himself in training on social media platform X on Wednesday, signalling his possible return to action after skipping Al Nassr’s previous league fixture against Al Riyadh. However, neither the player nor the club has officially confirmed his availability for the Al Ittihad match.
Reports had suggested that Ronaldo was unhappy with the club’s management and transfer activity, leading to his absence in the previous game. Al Nassr went on to secure a win despite his non-participation.
Ronaldo, who reportedly earns around £500,000 per day at the club, is contractually required to play unless sidelined by injury. He still has around 18 months left on his contract, which includes a summer release clause worth £43 million.
According to media reports, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star is frustrated over what he perceives as unequal financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Al Nassr along with Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad. The reports claim Ronaldo believes Al Nassr have not received the same level of support in the transfer market as rival clubs.
His dissatisfaction reportedly deepened after Al Hilal strengthened their squad while Al Nassr managed only one signing in the January transfer window — young Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem.
Al Nassr are still chasing their first Saudi Pro League title since Ronaldo’s arrival. Currently, league leaders Al Hilal hold a narrow one-point advantage over them at the summit.
A Sky Sports report also noted that Karim Benzema’s move to Al Hilal was funded by private Saudi investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, rather than through PIF backing. In contrast, Al Nassr have yet to attract similar private investment to bolster their squad.
With Ronaldo back in training, all eyes will be on Friday’s showdown to see if the talismanic forward leads Al Nassr in a title-defining encounter.