Cristiano Ronaldo makes emphatic Saudi Pro League commitment after strike

Cristiano Ronaldo has committed his future to the Saudi Pro League and Al Nassr just weeks after his boycott.

Earlier in February, Ronaldo went on strike to protest against Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund [PIF].

Getty

The Portuguese icon felt aggrieved with the scarce financial support for Al Nassr during the January transfer window.

PIF also have a 75 per cent stake in their league rivals Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad, who all strengthened ahead of the rest of the season.

Ronaldo was absent for three matches before returning to the side for their 2-0 win over Al Fateh last week.

He then netted two goals in a 4-0 victory at home to Al Hazem on Saturday night, which has sent Al Nassr to the league summit.

And when speaking afterwards, he insisted he wants to stay in Saudi Arabia to all but end any speculation over an exit.

“I’m very happy,” he told Thmanyah. “As I say so many times, I belong to Saudi Arabia.

“It’s a country that’s welcomed me very well, and my family and my friends. I’m happy here, I want to continue here.

“The most important [thing] is we keep pushing, we are there at the top… we do our job, win, make pressure, and let’s see at the end of the season.”

Ronaldo added: “We are on track, we’re back, we are good, we are confident.

“Game by game, we are in a good shape, let’s see what’s going to happen.”

Getty

How long will Ronaldo stay for?

During his strike, talkSPORT reported that Ronaldo warned PIF and the Saudi Pro League that he was prepared to leave.

His decision to miss matches was one that received backing from the Al Nassr board, but fans have finally witnessed his return.

Ronaldo has a contract at the club until the summer of 2027, with a release clause that’s understood to be worth €50million.

Turkish clubs have been monitoring his situation ahead of the summer, although it’s clear that he’s keen to remain in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo has scored 20 goals in as many appearances in the Saudi Pro League this season.

At the end of the campaign, he will travel with Portugal to the United States, Canada and Mexico for the World Cup.