Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustration is growing. The Portuguese star believes Al-Nassr is at a disadvantage due to the PIF since Karim Benzema’s arrival at Al-Hilal. Annoyed by this situation, he is seriously considering leaving the Saudi Pro League.
The transfer of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal hasn’t gone unnoticed. More than just the departure of his former Real Madrid teammate, Ronaldo is particularly concerned about the massive strengthening of Al-Nassr’s rival this winter. While Al-Hilal has welcomed Pablo Marí, Kader Meïté, and Benzema, the Riyadh club has only signed young Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkarrem.
According to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Al-Nassr does not receive the same financial backing as the other three clubs owned by the Saudi sovereign fund (PIF): Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad. Ronaldo even claimed that his club “lacks the political power of Al-Hilal.” However, Karim Benzema’s signing for the former Neymar team is simply the will of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a private investor. Nothing stops Al-Nassr from seeking similar private funding to strengthen their squad.
The SPL puzzled by Ronaldo’s anger
The regulations of the Saudi Pro League allow for private funding while maintaining the integrity of the competition: no team should benefit from public funds. This season, Al-Nassr has already invested over 100 million euros. Ronaldo’s frustration reached such a level that he refused to play against Al-Riyad this Monday, with a clash against Al-Ittihad looming on Friday. This incident also casts a negative light on the SPL, which does not understand the star’s strike.
League officials are now trying to reason with Cristiano Ronaldo to get him back on the pitch quickly, especially with a daily salary of 550,000 euros! The player still has the support of the organization, but according to Sky Sports, this story might not end here. With 18 months left on his contract, Ronaldo is contemplating his future and could consider a departure, especially since he has a release clause set at 50 million euros. Approaching 41 years old (on February 5), Cristiano Ronaldo might turn the page on his Saudi adventure, having helped put the Saudi Pro League in the global football spotlight three years ago.
