It is Cristiano Ronaldo’s 41st birthday today. The Portuguese great and arguably the greatest footballer of all times (GOAT) has once again captured the headlines. However, the news is not about his sporting exploits but because of reasons off the field.
Ronaldo, playing for Al-Nassr, surprisingly did not take the field in the match against Al-Riyadh, for purely non sporting reasons as had been widely reported. His absence was akin to a strike from the Portuguese against his Club’s so called disinterest in strengthening their squad in the January transfer window, and that the club was not displaying the ambition for winning titles. Arch rivals and table toppers Al-Hilal had signed Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad in a big move aimed at giving Al-Hilal a further impetus towards the RSL crown.
With so much hue and cry about his controversial stand, Ronaldo did try to dispel the rumours by putting up pictures of him joining the squad for training, but his participation in an extremely crucial match against Al-Ittihad tomorrow remains in suspense. Such has been the concern amongst fans that posters of a ‘Missing Ronaldo’ surfaced in Riyadh.
With just a point behind Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr have a great opportunity to keep mounting the pressure on their rivals with a win against tough opponents and defending champions Al-Ittihad, who will be without their talismanic captain Karim Benzema, tomorrow.
Al-Nassr managed to win against Al-Riyadh a couple of days ago, but the victory was not a sublime one and hence, against Al-Ittihad, the Knights of Najd have to be in full force.
There are diverse opinions about Ronaldo’s actions, and though many might align with his ideas, but as a player, he needs to play for his club and do his best to win matches. Eventually, this is what he is being paid for.
Let’s hope Ronaldo returns for Al-Nassr and helps his club claim the Roshn Saudi League.
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