Al-Ahli sporting director Rui Pedro has launched a passionate defence of Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the forward deserves full credit for the Saudi Pro League’s rise despite his recent standoff with Al-Nassr.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been at the centre of a storm in the Middle East following reports of a dispute with club hierarchy.
Ronaldo had expressed frustration regarding a perceived lack of squad investment compared to rivals funded by the Public Investment Fund.
This dissatisfaction reportedly led to the 39-year-old withdrawing from the squad for recent fixtures against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad.
However, the Portugal captain returned to action against Al-Fateh, netting his 18th league goal of the campaign.
‘He opened the doors’
Despite the controversy, a key figure from rival club Al-Ahli has refused to condemn the superstar’s actions.
Pedro, a fellow countryman of the former Manchester United forward, believes Ronaldo’s impact outweighs the current friction.
“All of us, me being Portuguese particularly, I have the utmost respect for Cristiano Ronaldo and all of the Portuguese nationals here in Saudi Arabia,” Pedro told Sky Sports.
The executive acknowledged the tension but deferred judgment on the player’s methods.
“It’s not my place to speak about the way he decided to make his point. I’m sure he has his own reasons.”
League growth linked to icon
Pedro went further, suggesting that the influx of foreign talent is entirely down to the initial move made by the Al-Nassr talisman.
“What I can say is that if we are all here today and if we are all here working in Saudi Arabia, most of the responsibility, most of the credit goes to Cristiano Ronaldo.”
He described the signing as the catalyst for the league’s global exposure.
“He opened the doors to the rest of the world to Saudi Arabia. That’s the biggest compliment we can offer him.”
The defence comes shortly after league officials issued a stern statement regarding the operational independence of clubs.
That warning emphasized that no individual determines decisions beyond their own team, regardless of their status.
Crystal Palace have reportedly opened discussions with Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger regarding a sensational return to the Premier League on a free transfer.
Eagles eye ambitious summer coup
The German international is approaching the end of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and faces an uncertain future in Spain.
According to reports from CaughtOffside, the south London club have made initial contact to lure the 32-year-old back to the English capital.
Rudiger is set to become a free agent this summer, meaning he is eligible to negotiate pre-contract terms with clubs outside of La Liga immediately.
While the centre-back technically has a staggering release clause in the region of £348m, the expiry of his current deal allows suitors to bypass a transfer fee entirely.
Filling the void left by Guehi
Palace are in the market for defensive reinforcements following a high-profile exit during the January window.
The Eagles sold club captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City, leaving a significant gap in experience and leadership within their backline.
Club officials view the Real Madrid man as a potential short-term solution to shore up a defence that has lost its primary organiser.
However, replacing a 25-year-old asset with a veteran entering the twilight of his career represents a significant shift in recruitment strategy.
A proven Premier League pedigree
The Berlin-born defender requires no introduction to English football fans.
He spent five successful seasons with Chelsea, making over 130 Premier League appearances before his departure for Madrid.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, the aggressive centre-half played a pivotal role in the Blues’ 2021 Champions League triumph.
Although he has struggled to cement a guaranteed starting spot for Los Blancos this campaign, his physical presence remains a formidable attribute.
Competition for his signature
Crystal Palace are unlikely to be the only party interested in securing such a high-profile free agent.
A host of clubs across Europe are expected to monitor the situation as the defender edges closer to the exit door.
Yet, the allure of returning to London, where he enjoyed the peak years of his career, could give the Eagles a crucial advantage in negotiations.
Kim Hellberg has propelled Middlesbrough to the top of the Championship table with a sensational six-match winning streak, transforming the club’s fortunes with a radical high-octane tactical overhaul.
The Teessiders are not typically synonymous with stylistic innovation, yet they are currently blazing a trail through the second tier.
This remarkable run of form has sent the club to the league summit ahead of a pivotal clash with promotion rivals Coventry City.
The ‘Post-it Note’ Manager
The architect of this revival arrived at the Riverside Stadium in November following Rob Edwards’ sudden departure to Wolves.
On paper, the appointment appeared a significant gamble for a club desperate to end a decade-long exile from the Premier League.
The 37-year-old had never worked outside his homeland and boasted a CV devoid of major silverware.
His relative obscurity was a point of humour upon his arrival.
“I’m the most Googled name in Teesside.”
Kim Hellberg, Middlesbrough Manager
Despite the lack of a playing career of note, the Swede was no stranger to Kieran Scott, Middlesbrough’s head of football.
Scouted from Scandinavian obscurity
Scott had been tracking the young tactician for several years, noting his impressive work with minnows IFK Varnamo in the Allsvenskan.
Hellberg further caught the eye by securing successive second-placed finishes with Hammarby while deploying a possession-dominant style.
Following a rigorous interview process with chairman Steve Gibson, it was agreed that the squad possessed defensive solidity but lacked cohesion in the final third.
The hierarchy felt the team was underperforming under previous leadership.
“It’s a group that just needs a bit of coaching,” Scott remarked, offering a candid assessment of the squad inherited from Edwards.
High-octane domination
The impact of the new regime was immediate and drastic.
Under the Scandinavian coach, the team has adopted a smothering high press and unpredictable movement patterns.
Possession statistics have skyrocketed from mid-table mediocrity to a league-best average of nearly 60 per cent.
The players have fully embraced this proactive philosophy.
“Everyone loves him and wants to work with him.”
Morgan Whittaker, Middlesbrough Forward
Whittaker, who scored the winner in the manager’s debut victory against Derby County, epitomises the renewed confidence within the camp.
The results speak for themselves, with the club securing victory in 11 of their 16 fixtures under Hellberg’s guidance.
With the Premier League now a tangible target, the gamble on the “unknown” Swede looks set to pay out in spectacular fashion.
Tottenham Hotspur demolished Aston Villa 7-3 in a remarkable encounter to breathe new life into their pursuit of Champions League football.
It was a chaotic afternoon in the Midlands where defending appeared to be an afterthought for both sides.
The visitors were ruthless in front of goal, capitalizing on a defensive collapse to secure a vital three points.
A statement victory
This result sends a clear message to rivals in the race for the top four.
While the defensive display might concern the coaching staff, the attacking potency of the North Londoners was undeniable.
They capitalized on nearly every error presented by a shell-shocked Villa backline.
The victory ensures the gap to the European places remains surmountable as the season approaches its climax.
Defensive collapse
For the hosts, conceding seven at home represents a humiliating afternoon that will require immediate analysis.
Despite finding the net three times themselves, the Villans were constantly exposed on the break.
The Midlands club failed to cope with the pace and precision of the Tottenham attack throughout the ninety minutes.
The race for Europe
Momentum is now firmly with the capital club following this emphatic display.
Goal difference could prove crucial at the end of the campaign, and this significant boost will be welcomed.
Attention now turns to whether this level of performance can be sustained for the remainder of the fixture list.
Robin van Persie has confirmed Feyenoord have hastily arranged a training camp in Belgium to allow Raheem Sterling to train, bypassing work permit restrictions in the Netherlands.
The England international completed a shock move to the Eredivisie giants earlier this week after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Chelsea.
However, the 31-year-old has been unable to hit the ground running due to immediate administrative red tape.
Sterling was forced to watch from the sidelines as his new club defeated Go Ahead Eagles 1-0 on Sunday, barred from even practicing with the squad on Dutch soil.
Drastic measures for a debutant
To navigate the current impasse, Van Persie has confirmed the squad will cross the border on Monday to integrate the four-time Premier League champion.
"That’s allowed abroad," the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker explained regarding the decision to move camp to Belgium.
"We’re doing it for him, but I also want to work on our team development. We can have some good conversations and do something fun together."
The former Manchester City winger has not played a competitive minute all season and faces a gradual return to match fitness.
"He’ll start training the day after tomorrow," Van Persie added.
"We’ll see each week when he’s fit for a match. That will take some time, but that seems logical to me, since he hasn’t played for six months."
Choosing the ‘love of the game’
It is understood that Sterling held discussions with as many as 18 different clubs before committing to the project in Rotterdam.
The forward insists the move offers him the control over his career that has been missing during a difficult final spell at Stamford Bridge.
"As a free agent, I’ve had, for the first time in a long time, the opportunity to control the next step in my career," Sterling said.
"Having spoken in great detail with CEO Dennis te Kloese and Robin, I’m confident that Feyenoord is a place I can be happy and establish myself as a valued member of the team."
Van Persie believes the transfer is centered on the veteran forward rediscovering his passion for football after a turbulent end to his time in London.
"Playing abroad is a whole new challenge for me – and one I’m ready to embrace," Sterling concluded.
The Premier League champions have shifted their stance on a permanent exit, handing Sean Dyche’s side a major boost.
Manchester City are prepared to sanction a second consecutive loan deal for Jack Grealish, offering Everton a ‘dream’ scenario to retain their most productive attacker without paying a substantial transfer fee.
The England international had made a profound impact at the Hill Dickinson Stadium before his 2025-26 campaign was curtailed.
A stress fracture in the foot recently required surgery, likely ruling the winger out for the remainder of the season.
Despite the injury blow, the former Aston Villa captain has registered more goals and assists than any other player in the Toffees’ squad this term.
Guardiola’s stance softens
While the player’s long-term future clearly lies away from the Etihad, the terms of his departure have now shifted.
According to reports, the Premier League champions are willing to discuss a temporary extension rather than demanding an immediate sale.
Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke suggested that Pep Guardiola’s side are pragmatic about the situation.
“He’s obviously got no long-term future at Manchester City, I think that’s pretty certain. City will be open to all options to see Grealish move on, whether that’s on a permanent or a loan.”
Navigating the £50m barrier
The current loan agreement reportedly contains a buy option set at £50m.
Everton are unlikely to trigger such a clause given the finances involved and the player’s age profile.
However, securing the playmaker on a secondary temporary deal represents an ideal solution for the Merseyside club.
It would allow the Toffees to bypass the high transfer fee while retaining a player who has proven crucial to their creative output.
The free transfer endgame
This development opens a potential pathway to a permanent acquisition down the line.
The £100m man is out of contract in the summer of 2027.
If Everton can secure his services on loan for the upcoming campaign, they would be positioned to sign him on a free transfer upon the expiry of his City deal.
Arsenal stormed into the FA Cup fifth round by demolishing League One Wigan 4-0, scoring four times in the opening 27 minutes to keep their quadruple hopes firmly on track.
Any fears of a cup upset were instantly extinguished at the Emirates Stadium.
The Premier League giants cut through their third-tier opponents with ruthless efficiency to seal the tie before the half-hour mark.
Eberechi Eze, operating in a deeper playmaker role, unlocked the defence with two sublime passes early on.
Those precise deliveries allowed Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli to slot home emphatic finishes inside the first 20 minutes.
Relentless Gunners run riot
The onslaught continued as Wigan defender Jack Hunt inadvertently headed into his own net shortly after.
Matters worsened for the visitors when Hunt was caught out by a Christian Norgaard long ball moments later.
Gabriel Jesus capitalised on the space, lifting a composed finish over the goalkeeper to make it four.
The match was effectively over as a contest with the home side completely dominant in possession.
Kepa preserves the clean sheet
Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga enjoyed a largely quiet afternoon between the sticks.
However, the Spaniard remained alert to deny Joe Taylor from close range to preserve the shutout.
He was called upon again to stop Raphael Rodrigues’ effort from finding the bottom corner.
Viktor Gyokeres almost added a fifth for the hosts, seeing his deflected strike cannon off the woodwork.
Quadruple dream continues
The comprehensive victory ensures the north London club remain competitive on all four fronts this season.
They will discover their next opponents when the draw takes place before Macclesfield host Brentford on Monday.
Attention now turns back to the Premier League, with a clash against Wolves looming just two days later.
The Blues returned to winning ways in the WSL but the atmosphere at Kingsmeadow was defined by the sudden departure of a club architect.
Chelsea Women have begun a new chapter with a 2-0 victory over Liverpool, ending a turbulent week that saw the sudden departure of long-serving general manager Paul Green.
Goals from Sjoeke Nüsken and Lauren James ensured the reigning champions collected three vital points at Kingsmeadow.
The result offers a moment of stability for the west London club following a difficult period both on and off the pitch.
Navigating uncharted waters
Sunday’s clash marked the first time since 2012 that the Blues have taken to the field without Green or former manager Emma Hayes employed by the club.
The architect of Chelsea’s domestic dominance left his role earlier this week, ending a 12-year association that transformed the team into a European powerhouse.
His exit came at a precarious moment, with the titleholders reeling from recent defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City that have threatened their league defence.
Despite the uncertainty at board level, the players ensured matters on the pitch remained professional.
Manager Sonia Bompastor admitted the backroom changes had impacted the squad’s preparation.
“It was a tough week, to be honest,” Bompastor said.
“We are all humans, and I think when you just move on a member of your staff, it hurts.”
“We tried to focus a little bit on the game as well, so I think we did well considering everything that happened this week.”
Tributes to a dynasty builder
Green’s influence on the current squad remains undeniable, having played a pivotal role in recruiting every member of the starting XI against Liverpool.
Beyond recruitment, the former general manager oversaw day-to-day operations, travel, and contract negotiations.
His departure triggered an outpouring of support from senior figures within the dressing room, including captain Millie Bright and striker Sam Kerr.
The sentiment was echoed in the stands, where supporters made their feelings clear regarding the hierarchy’s decision.
Fans at Kingsmeadow chanted Green’s name in the 13th minute, singing “Paul Green is always a Blue” to acknowledge his contribution to the club’s golden era.
With a Women’s League Cup final on the horizon, Chelsea must now navigate the business end of the season without one of their most experienced operators.