Cristiano Ronaldo ‘to end’ Saudi Pro League strike and face Al-Ittihad for Al-Nassr | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly poised to end his strike at Al-Nassr and could face Al-Ittihad on Friday, according to Goal.com. He sat out the derby with Al-Riyadh amid discontent over transfer spending.

A switch to Al-Hilal for former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema was said to be the final straw, a move Ronaldo opposed. The transfer has gone through and the French striker has left Al-Ittihad.

Ronaldo removed himself from selection, forcing head coach Jorge Jesus to turn elsewhere. Al-Nassr won 1-0 without their captain, Sadio Mane scoring the winner.

He is back in training and could make himself available, with a chance for Al-Nassr to return to the top on Friday. He is on a deal reported at about £500,000 a day, and is contractually obliged to play unless injured.

Al-Nassr are said to have been surprised by his stance but consider the matter closed for now.

Attention also turns to his longer-term future. Around 18 months remain on his contract through to summer 2027, with a £43m release clause that can be triggered in the next window. A return to Europe, including Sporting, has been mooted, while a move to Inter Miami to link up with Lionel Messi has been talked up.

Source: Goal.com