Cristiano Ronaldo scores on Al-Nassr return after reported transfer protest | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to Al-Nassr’s line-up by scoring against Al-Fateh, ending a two-match absence amid a dispute over finances and transfer backing.

According to Goal.com, the captain skipped games against Al-Ittihad and Al-Riyadh in a reported boycott over transfer support, and talks this week were said to address overdue salary and restore executive control before his comeback.

Restored to the XI for Saturday’s Saudi Pro League meeting, the 39-year-old captained Al-Nassr. He volleyed over inside the first minute, then tried from range after a Marcelo Brozovic pass.

The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute. Sadio Mane fed a pass into the box and Ronaldo swept first time into the bottom-right corner, a finish with an expected goals value of 0.21.

Further early chances also fell to Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman as Al-Nassr pressed.

Al-Nassr began the day third, four points behind leaders Al-Hilal with a game in hand, so the title race remains alive.

Ronaldo is chasing the Golden Boot too. He trails Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, with Julian Quinones of Al-Qadsiah also ahead. This was his 17th league goal of the campaign.

His return appears to calm a tense episode between player and club, shifting focus back to results. For Ronaldo, the task is simple, keep scoring to drive Al-Nassr’s push for silverware.

Source: Goal.com