Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training with Al-Nassr following a brief dispute with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), a development that could see the Portuguese star feature in this weekend’s Saudi Pro League fixture.
The Al-Nassr forward missed his club’s last two matches after expressing dissatisfaction with how PIF manages the club. His absence was reportedly linked to a protest that saw him stop training, prompting head coach Jorge Jesus to leave him out of the squad.
According to reports, discussions between Ronaldo’s camp and club officials have led to assurances of changes, clearing the way for his return. The 41-year-old is now expected to be available for Al-Nassr’s league encounter against Al-Fateh on Saturday.
Before that, Al-Nassr will turn their attention to continental action when they face FK Arkadag of Turkmenistan in their AFC Champions League clash on Wednesday.
Sources indicate that Ronaldo’s frustration stemmed from concerns that PIF favors rival clubs, as the fund oversees four of Saudi Arabia’s leading teams. He was also reportedly unhappy with Al-Nassr’s limited activity in the January transfer window, especially as rivals strengthened their squads.
The Saudi Pro League is said to have warned Ronaldo that his protest risked damaging the league’s image and the integrity of PIF.
Ronaldo remains the world’s highest-paid footballer, earning more than $4 million per week. With 18 months left on his contract, any club seeking his signature would need to pay a reported £43 million transfer fee.
RUKUNDO Jean Claude/ The kaminuza star