Ronaldo Goes On ‘Strike’ Amid Al-Nassr Frustrations

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly planning to “go on strike” and will refuse to play for Al-Nassr in their upcoming Riyadh derby clash, according to sources in his native Portugal.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, now 40, is said to be deeply frustrated with the management of the Saudi club. Initial reports suggested his potential absence from Monday’s fixture was due to workload management, but Portuguese outlet A Bola has refuted this.

A Bola insisted that any non-appearance for CR7 is “not related to any physical management of the Portuguese forward.” Instead, the publication claimed Ronaldo is “unhappy with the way the PIF (Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia) is managing the club he has represented for three years, especially compared to the treatment given to rival clubs, also managed by the same fund.”

Ronaldo, who captains Al-Nassr, is reportedly disappointed by the perceived lack of investment in the team. Head coach Jorge Jesus has apparently not received the financial backing needed to strengthen the squad in the winter transfer window, with 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem being their only addition.

Further reports suggested that two of Ronaldo’s Portuguese compatriots at Al-Nassr, Sporting Director Simao Coutinho and CEO Jose Semedo, have seen their powers “frozen at the beginning of the month following a decision by the board of directors.”

Al-Nassr, currently in the hunt for the domestic title, were due to face local rivals Al-Riyadh on Monday. It remains unclear whether their talismanic No.7 will feature, with a crucial match against defending champions Al-Ittihad looming on Friday.