Ronaldo fury ignited: Al-Nassr icon rattled by rival’s gloating message
Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly left fuming during his recent strike at Al-Nassr after receiving a gloating message from former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema regarding his switch to title rivals Al-Hilal.
The Portugal captain refused to play for the Saudi Pro League side recently in protest against a variety of internal issues.
His frustration stemmed from a perceived lack of ambition in the January transfer window compared to the club’s direct competitors.
However, the forward’s mood was reportedly worsened by private contact from his old strike partner at the Bernabeu.
Transfer taunts and title tension
According to reports, Benzema reached out to boast about securing a pay rise after swapping Al-Ittihad for league leaders Al-Hilal.
The French striker allegedly claimed he had joined the club destined to lift the Saudi Pro League trophy this season.
Al-Hilal currently sit one point clear of Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr at the summit of the table.
The contrast in recruitment strategies appears to have been the catalyst for the standoff.
While Al-Nassr endured a quiet window, their title rivals strengthened significantly.
Al-Hilal added Benzema, Rennes star Mohamed Meite, and former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari to their ranks.
Standoff with Saudi chiefs
The veteran forward sat out matches against Al-Ittihad and Al-Riyadh to make his feelings clear to the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
He was reportedly furious regarding the diminished influence of his key allies, chief executive Jose Semedo and director of football Simão Coutinho.
Showdown talks have since taken place to resolve the immediate conflict.
Semedo and Coutinho have seen their power restored, prompting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to end his industrial action.
He is expected to return to the starting line-up when Al-Nassr face Al-Fateh this weekend.
Future hanging in the balance
Despite the immediate truce, tensions remain high in Riyadh.
The ex-Manchester United star possesses a release clause in his contract allowing him to leave for £43m.
Clubs in Europe and the MLS are reportedly monitoring the situation closely ahead of a potential summer move.
The uncertainty is also affecting the club’s long-term planning.
Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has indicated he will not sign a new contract until the forward’s future is clarified.
Jesus is reportedly only willing to commit to the club if his captain stays to fulfil a contract that runs until 2027.