Saudi Pro League: Why Cristiano Ronaldo Is On Strike At AL-Nassr?

 

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was not part of Al-Nassr's playing XI or bench for their Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Riyadh at the Prince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Stadium. The tournament is in the middle of the title race as Al-Nassr are aiming to close down the points difference with arch-rivals Al Hilal.

Currently, the Ronaldo-starrer team is three points behind the rival club after leading the standings earlier in the tournament. 16 matches are still to be played, and so AL-Nassr will aim to cling to the silverware for the first time since 2009.

 

The Portuguese star was not part of the line-up despite being fit and no concerns over his workload, as reported by the football journalist Fabrizio Romano. Several reports have surfaced explaining the cause behind his decision.

According to the Portuguese media outlet A Bola, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is not happy with the lack of activity in the transfer market. The club signed only 21-year-old midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem in this window. On the other hand, Al Hilal have acquired the services of Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad after he didn’t renew his contract.

 

As per another report by Sky Sports, Ronaldo thinks that PIF (Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia), who have 75 % of ownership, is giving preferential treatment to the clubs. PFI owns four clubs - Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad. However, Ronaldo thinks that the Saudi club gives preferential treatment to the other three clubs.