Al Nassr: Cristiano Ronaldo sets his terms to end his strike

Absent for the last two matches, Cristiano Ronaldo laid out a series of sporting and institutional demands to return to competition, revealing a deep malaise within Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s demands to end his one-week strike at Al-Nassr leaked to the Saudi press. Aged 41, the Portuguese forward stood out for his absence in his team’s last two matches, choosing not to join the squad for those fixtures. A situation that quickly prompted questions and speculation about his future.

According to Saad Al-Subaie, former legal director of the club, Cristiano Ronaldo would have laid out eight conditions to resume competition: four immediate and four projected for next season. Among his main demands is a reduction of the Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s interference in the club’s sporting management, as well as stronger financial support in the transfer market. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also demands the rapid return of CEO José Semedo and sporting director Simão Coutinho, suspended last year.

Ronaldo also would like the PIF to guarantee the resources necessary to allow the team to play leading roles, while refraining from intervening in the day-to-day running of the locker room. He also hopes for firm measures against any attempt to undermine the authority of management. For next season, the Portuguese star calls for ambitious recruitment, on par with that of his main rivals. He also advocates for the continuity of the sporting project, with the extension of the current technical staff in place, and asks for greater clarity on the PIF’s future involvement with the club.

The Real Madrid legend was reportedly particularly irritated by the absence of major signings during the last winter transfer window. As a sign of protest, he did not participate in the match against Al-Riyadh on the day the window closed, before also missing the following match against Al-Ittihad. If he continues training with the squad, rumors of a possible departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Al-Nassr persist, fueled by this unprecedented power struggle between the superstar and his management.