Cristiano Ronaldo Makes Al-Nassr Availability Decision for Al-Ittihad Clash Amid Rift With PIF

Cristiano Ronaldo went on strike earlier this week, sitting out of the 1-0 win over Al Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Nassr takes on Al-Ittihad on Friday, February 6, and a journalist has provided an update on the Portuguese superstar’s availability.

Cristiano Ronaldo To Continue His Protest at Al-Nassr

Ronaldo is questioning PIF, the majority owner of four clubs in the Saudi Pro League, for its preferential treatment of Al-Hilal. The league leaders received a good chunk of funds to spend in the summer ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup and were also given funds to sign players in the January window.

The one key signing of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad saw Ronaldo go on strike against it, in an attempt to block the move, but failed to get the clubs and owners to change their minds. The Frenchman moved to the league leaders this week, giving them the edge over Al-Nassr in the title race while the two sides were separated by a point in the table.

Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on Ronaldo’s situation, and the Italian journalist has said that the forward is still upset with the whole issue. He remains on strike and will not play in the upcoming match against Al-Ittihad. He said on his YouTube channel:

“Cristiano Ronaldo, according to my information, will not play a crucial game, Al-Nassr-Al-Ittihad, on Friday, tomorrow. Why? Because Cristiano remains upset with the management from the Saudi group, especially PIF that is taking care of several clubs in Saudi. Why? Because I told you these reports coming from Portugal have something new into it.”

Romano added, “About Cristiano not being happy with the current situation – to see a Ballon d’Or legend like Benzema, in the middle of the season, leaving Al-Ittihad and going in the same system to Al-Hilal. Remember that the clubs are managed by the same group, which is PIF, is something that is obviously not making Cristiano happy.”

READ MORE: Will Cristiano Ronaldo Return to Man United? Former Red Devils Star Gives His Take Amid Former’s Issues at Saudi Arabia

Ronaldo returned to training this week after skipping the Al Riyadh game and posted about it on social media. However, he has once again decided not to play for his club, and they will have to find a way to collect all three points on Friday.

As for Benzema, he made his debut for Al-Hilal on Ronaldo’s birthday, Thursday, February 5, and scored a hat-trick to help them extend the lead to four points.