The strike is over! Cristiano Ronaldo to return for Al-Nassr this weekend after winning battle with club chiefs
Reports in Portugal suggest Ronaldo has won his battle against Al-Nassr's management
Cristiano Ronaldo has won his battle for change at Al-Nassr and will return to the squad at the weekend, according to a report in Portuguese newspaper A Bola.
Ronaldo, who turned 41 last week, has not played for the Saudi Arabian club since January 30, missing the wins over Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad as part of a self-imposed exile to demonstrate his unhappiness at the club’s management.
His displeasure was initially sparked by a lack of investment in Al-Nassr compared to title rivals Al-Hilal. Al-Hilal were able to sign Karim Benzema on transfer deadline day – a move funded by a private investor – while Al-Nassr failed to make significant additions. Al-Hilal are a point clear of Al-Nassr at the top of the Pro League.
It has since emerged Ronaldo, and the rest of the squad, were unhappy at an interview given by the club’s chairman of the board, Abdullah Al-Majed, in which he criticised the work of the club’s CEO Jose Semedo and the Portuguese staff, including coach Jorge Jesus.
The A Bola report suggests Al-Majed could be removed from his role in the coming days.
Ronaldo demanded late payments be made to staff
Ronaldo is also reported to have baulked at the fact several club employees have not been paid on time. Al-Nassr have now settled the outstanding payments.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has begun team training once again. He won’t be involved in tomorrow’s AFC Champions League 2 play-off against Turkmenistan side Arkadag – he has regularly been rested for games in the competition – but will be back in the squad for Saturday’s Pro League game at Al-Fateh.
Ronaldo took to social media this morning to suggest the reports were correct, posting a picture of himself displaying a V for victory signal with an accompanying emoji.