Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as the talk of the town of late due to his decision to boycott Al-Nassr games. He is allegedly unhappy with the unsatisfactory investment from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia in his club.
However, a recent report has revealed a secondary reason for the player’s ongoing strike.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Boycott Reasons Come to Light
According to A Bola, Ronaldo decided to boycott his club’s matches after the PIF bankrolled Karim Benzema’s winter move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal. However, the Portuguese is also discontented with significant delays in salary payments at Al-Nassr.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who turned 41 earlier this month, is expected to continue his boycott in Saudi Arabia until Al-Nassr resolves the salary payment issue. He is currently earning $663,681 per day under his contract, which will expire in June 2027.
As things stand, the Real Madrid and Manchester United legend will sit out Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League home clash against Al-Ittihad on Friday, Feb. 6. He previously missed his side’s 1-0 away league triumph against Al-Riyadh earlier this Monday, Feb. 2.
Meanwhile, the former Juventus attacker has also reportedly threatened the PIF that he will depart Al-Nassr if his demands are not met. He currently has a release clause in the region of $59 million and has attracted interest from Turkish clubs, according to talkSPORT.
On the other hand, a senior Saudi Pro League spokesperson has revealed that no individual player will be allowed to influence the decisions of other Saudi Arabian clubs.
“The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules. Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league,” the official said.
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“Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al-Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual, however significant, determines decisions beyond their own club. Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way. Another chose a different approach. Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters,” the league spokesperson added.
Ronaldo, who is set to compete in his sixth FIFA World Cup this summer, joined Al-Nassr on a Bosman move in January 2023. He has helped the team win one trophy, namely the Arab Club Champions Cup, during his three-year stint in Saudi Arabia.
