Cristiano Ronaldo confirms dedication: ‘I am part of Saudi Arabia’
Cristiano Ronaldo expressed satisfaction with his experience in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, following a recent conflict with his club that resulted in him missing two league games.
The 41-year-old had previously been absent during his team’s 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh on February 2, and their 2-0 triumph against Al-Ittihad on February 6.
Sources had earlier informed ESPN that Ronaldo was dissatisfied with the insufficient financial backing for his team during the transfer window.
The Portuguese striker was reportedly frustrated that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) did not allocate funds for the team, while their competitors Al-Hilal, also under PIF ownership, pursued his former Real Madrid colleague Karim Benzema.
He made his return by scoring against Al-Fateh on February 14, followed by a two-goal performance in Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Al-Nazem, which propelled them to the top of the standings.
“I’m very happy. As I say many times, I belong to Saudi Arabia,” Ronaldo stated in an interview with broadcaster Thmanyah.
“It’s a country that welcomes me, my family, and friends very well. I’m happy here, and I want to continue here.”
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“The most important thing is that we keep pushing; we’re at the top, and we don’t know the results of the other teams. Let’s see, we do our job, win, apply pressure, and see what happens at the end of the season.
“We are on track, we are back, we are good, and we have confidence. I’m very proud,” Ronaldo concluded.
Ronaldo ended his boycott after his primary demands from the PIF were fulfilled, which included restoring management authority to club executives Simão Coutinho and José Semedo, as well as the payment of overdue salaries, sources had previously informed ESPN.
Having signed a two-year contract extension last June, he is currently contracted to play for Al-Nassr until the summer of 2027.
