CRISTIANO RONALDO’S Al-Nassr strop came after he received a text message from Karim Benzema, reports suggest.
, 41, went on strike in protest against the ownership of , ‘s Public Investment Fund (PIF), after believing other clubs had been prioritised in the transfer window.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been left incensed by a text message received by Karim BenzemaCredit: Reuters
He joked about a pay rise and how he would win the league again after a move to Al-HilalCredit: Getty
Al-Nassr’s main rivals for the Saudi Pro League title are fellow PIF-owned club Al-Hilal.
And Ronaldo is said to have been left incensed after receiving a text message from Real Madrid team-mate ahead of a move to the club from another PIF club, Al-Ittihad.
According to The Telegraph , Benzema, 38, sent the Portuguese icon a light-hearted message about his move.
The Frenchman is said to have pointed out his new higher wage with his new employer and joked he would win the league again.
Benzema joined Ronaldo in the Middle East the summer after the former Manchester United and star’s move.
Despite that, in the 2024/25 season Benzema lifted the league and Saudi Cup double, while Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr were 13 points off the pace in third.
There is currently a point between Al-Nassr and current league leaders Al-Hilal, who won the title in 2024 to again deny Ronaldo a Saudi league title.
Benzema scored a hat-trick on his debut for his new club, which may have served to only deepen Ronaldo’s frustration.
Ronaldo was missing from the Al-Nassr squad as his team-mates managed a 1-0 win over Al-Riyadh before they followed that up with a 2-0 win over Benzema’s old side Al-Ittihad.
A statement given to the Daily Mail by the league insisted the claims are unfounded.
It said: “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rule.
“Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership.
“Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance.
“That framework applies equally across the league.
“Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition.
“Like any elite competitor, he wants to win.
“But no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.”
Al-Nassr’s next league game comes against Al-Fateh on February 14.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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