Cristiano Ronaldo resolves conflict with Al Nassr, according to sources.
Cristiano Ronaldo has chosen to conclude his boycott of Al Nassr matches, sources have informed ESPN Brasil.
The 41-year-old missed two games for the Saudi Pro League team — Friday’s 2-0 victory against Al Ittihad and last week’s win over Al Riyadh.
As per sources, the Portugal captain has indicated he will return to participate in the match against Al Fateh on February 14.
ESPN has reported that Ronaldo’s absence from the two matches stemmed from his dissatisfaction with the PIF (Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Investment Fund) and its support for his club during the transfer window.
Ronaldo observed that Al Hilal, which is also 75% owned by the PIF, acquired Karim Benzema, his former Real Madrid teammate, from Al Ittihad in the January transfer window.
Reports suggest that Ronaldo consented to return to the field after his primary demands were addressed by the PIF.
The star indicated he would resume play after the governing body settled Al Nassr’s overdue salaries and reinstated management authority to the club’s senior executives.
Consequently, Simão Coutinho (sporting director) and José Semedo (CEO), who had been suspended by the PIF, are said to regain their authority to operate.
Ronaldo has participated in 22 matches for the team this season, netting 18 goals and providing three assists.
Al Nassr currently holds the second position in the Saudi Pro League, trailing arch-rival Al Hilal by just one point.
The Saudi Pro League released a statement last Thursday cautioning Ronaldo that no player could influence decisions beyond their own team.
“The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: Every club operates independently under the same rules,” the league stated.
“Clubs have their own boards, their own executives, and their own football leadership. Decisions regarding recruitment, expenditure, and strategy are made by those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.”
