Ronaldo refuses to play for Al Nassr amid protest over transfer backing | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, has refused to play for Al Nassr in protest at his team’s financial backing compared with other Saudi sides, and was absent as they beat Al Riyadh 1-0 on Monday.

He was incensed that Haydeer Abdulkareem, 21, was the only mid-season signing despite manager Jorge Jesus pleading for more recruits. The Saudi Pro League said in a statement that every club operates independently under the same rules, with boards and executives responsible for recruitment and spending within a sustainability framework.

The statement outlined that strategy sits with the clubs and the framework applies uniformly to maintain competitive balance. It also said no player, regardless of stature, can influence top level decisions.

Meanwhile, rivals Al Hilal spent £26m each on Kader Meite and Saimon Bouabre, signed Pablo Mari from Fiorentina and took former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema on a free transfer.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr on a two-year deal in 2022 after leaving Manchester United following a television interview in which he said he felt betrayed by the club and did not respect then manager Erik ten Hag.

Al Nassr could go top of the Saudi Pro League on Friday.

Source: Sunderland Echo