Karim Benzema’s Rumored Text Message to Cristiano Ronaldo About Transfer That Led To Strike at Al-Nassr Revealed

Cristiano Ronaldo has caused a stir after deciding to boycott Al-Nassr’s games due to being unhappy with the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) unsatisfactory investment in his team. He went on strike after Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Hilal was funded by the PIF. Now, the details of Benzema’s alleged text message to the Portuguese have come to light.

Now, the details of Benzema’s alleged text message to the Portuguese have come to light.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Cause for Discontentment Disclosed

Last week, Benzema completed a Bosman move to Al-Hilal from reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad. The 38-year-old forward had also gone on strike at his former club in protest against receiving an alleged disrespectful contract renewal offer.

According to The Telegraph, Benzema believed he could earn more after reviewing the new contract terms offered by Al-Ittihad. And after joining Al-Hilal, he sent a text message to Ronaldo joking about his transfer to the Saudi Pro League leaders.

According to reports, Benzema sent a light‑hearted message to his former Real Madrid teammate, joking that he is now earning more and has a strong chance of winning the league again. The exact wording of the message has not been made public.

Despite the light-hearted nature of Benzema’s text, Ronaldo was left feeling disgruntled as Al-Nassr had only announced two low-profile signings in the winter transfer window. Hence, the Portuguese superstar chose to voice his frustration against the PIF.

In the recently concluded winter transfer window, Al-Nassr signed Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Haydeer Abdulkareem. In comparison, Al-Hilal signed seven new stars, including Benzema, ex-Arsenal defender Pablo Mari, and Kader Meite from Stade Rennais.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Next Destination Named by Journalist

Meanwhile, the 41-year-old former Manchester United forward has missed two of Al-Nassr’s matches this month. He chose not to play in his side’s 1-0 away league win at Al-Riyadh on Feb. 2 before missing a 2-0 home league victory against Al-Ittihad on Feb. 6.

Nani Claims Post-Ronaldo Era at Club Was ‘Positive’

During a chat with FourFourTwo, ex-Portugal winger Nani was asked if he felt any pressure to fill the void left by Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid at Manchester United.

“No… pressure, when you understand it properly, becomes responsibility. I was confident I could be a player capable of helping to compensate for Cristiano’s absence. The trust of my teammates and the coaching staff was also key in making the post-Cristiano era a positive one,” Nani, who is currently representing FC Aktobe in Kazakhstan, replied.

After the five-time Ballon d’Or’s Manchester United exit in 2009, Nani was trusted by then-Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson. He registered 31 goals and 50 assists in 158 games across competitions in the following six seasons at Manchester United.