The drama around Cristiano Ronaldo shows no signs of cooling in Saudi Arabia. No one knows when the Portuguese star will next pull on the Al Nassr jersey for a league match. After skipping his team’s last two games in Riyadh over disputes with PIF officials and league administrators, Cristiano continues to attend training sessions and participate alongside his teammates under coach Jorge Jesus.
Saudi Pro League considers punishment
Voices within the Saudi Pro League are calling for disciplinary action against Ronaldo for refusing to play, even though he has no injuries or medical issues preventing him from taking the field. According to Asharq Al Awsat, the league is reportedly exploring both financial and sporting sanctions if Ronaldo continues to sit out.
Fans and club back Cristiano
At Al Nassr’s most recent home game against Al Ittihad, supporters showed clear support for Ronaldo. Fans held up cards displaying his iconic No. 7, chanted his name, and even teammate Angelo celebrated a goal in the same style as the Portuguese star. It’s evident that the club stands firmly behind Cristiano in this standoff. Coach Jorge Jesus declined to speak to the media for the third straight time, risking a financial penalty himself.
Asian Champions League provides an outlet
Amid the league drama, Al Nassr prepares for the Asian Champions League Elite 2, the continent’s second-tier competition. The club faces Turkmenistan’s Arkadag in the first leg of the round of 16. So far, Cristiano has only appeared in one match in the tournament, a home game on December 24. Now, it’s possible he could travel to Turkmenistan to play, which could further strain his relationship with the Saudi league. Playing for the club in Asia while skipping domestic matches underscores the tension between Ronaldo and league officials.
Al Nassr’s next league game
Al Nassr’s next league match is set for Saturday, February 14, at 6:30 p.m., against Al Fateh. If Cristiano is absent again, the saga will enter a third consecutive chapter of uncertainty and controversy.
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