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Football Insider

Cristiano Ronaldo Contemplates Departure from Al-Nassr: Superstar Feels 'Betrayed' and Takes Strike Action

Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a strong ultimatum to Al-Nassr as he refuses to back down from his strike, triggered by dissatisfaction over the club's transfer decisions. Despite missing recent matches, the Portugal superstar is now contemplating his future with the club and in Saudi Arabia. Read on to delve deeper into this unfolding saga.

Cristiano Ronaldo Contemplates Departure from Al-Nassr: Superstar Feels 'Betrayed' and Takes Strike Action

Cristiano Ronaldo has threatened to leave Al-Nassr in the summer as he continues his strike action against the club, CBS Sports reports. The Portugal superstar missed the 1-0 win over Al-Riyadh in protest at PIF's decision to transfer Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal. Ronaldo was absent from Nassr's squad for their clash with Riyadh, as he protested PIF's decision to transfer Karim Benzema between two of the clubs they own: Ittihad to Hilal. Nassr did not see their squad strengthened in the same way and CBS Sports now reports that the Portugal superstar has warned those in Saudi Arabia that he is prepared to leave the club, and the country altogether, over the recent transfer activity. Reports earlier on Thursday claimed that Saudi officials expected him to end his strike, as CR7, who is now back in training, is well aware Nassr play Ittihad on Friday.Ronaldo is working on the most lucrative deal in world football, which is said to earn him a reported £500,000 a day, and is contractually obliged to make himself available and play unless an injury has been picked up. It is now unclear, though, if he will play against Ittihad as he ponders more moves to make his point. Per the report, a source claims Ronaldo feels "betrayed" and now wants assurances over the club's direction if he is to remain at Nassr. His contract contains a release clause worth €50 million (£43m) and CBS Sports has claimed there could be interest from his boyhood club, Sporting CP, as well as leading clubs in Türkiye. Hilal are currently four points clear of Nassr at the top of the table and, to rub salt in Ronaldo's wounds, Benzema scored a hat-trick on his debut in a thumping win over Akhdoud. Ronaldo, of course, has not won the Saudi Pro League during his time in the country. Former Premier League star and ex-England international Danny Murphy has told talkSPORT of CR7’s behaviour: “Maybe Ronaldo could give some of his earnings to the club to then help them get more players. I've never heard of something so ridiculous in all my life, self-indulgent nonsense.”Benzema explained his motivation for the switch, as he bids to win the league title. Ronaldo's side, by comparison,  went through a quiet January window, signing only under-23 midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem.Benzema said: "Clear message - you know my mentality - I have a lot of ambition. I will work; I will give everything on the pitch. I will help this team and, Inshallah, bring trophies, because for me it's more important to bring trophies. And we have a good team, good fans, so together, Inshallah, we will do it. I feel good. I'm happy to be here after my first training with the team and the coach. I'm so happy and glad to be part of this team. It's a great team with a great history; they won a lot of trophies. It's like Real Madrid here in Asia, you know."Hilal's CEO Esteve Calzado said of Ronaldo's tantrum: "You should ask him. We are focusing on ourselves. In the end, it's not like they [Al-Nassr] had a bad summer transfer window with Joao Felix [and Kingsley] Coman arriving. There's a rivalry and a passion in this country that I never would have imagined; I thought I'd seen it all. People have gone crazy with the [Benzema] signing. We were looking to sign a striker, and a unique opportunity came up. A Ballon d'Or winner, with a spectacular talent-the statistics speak for themselves."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingIt still remains to be seen when Ronaldo will return to competitive action for Al-Nassr. His latest update suggests he may well be available for Friday's match against Al-Ittihad, although there has been speculation he will once again miss out for Jorge Jesus's side. All eyes will certainly be on the Al-Nassr team sheet on Friday to see if Ronaldo is back and ready to lead his team out once again.

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Ronaldo's Ultimatum and Strike Action

Recent reports from CBS Sports have revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is on the brink of a possible departure from Al-Nassr, following his refusal to play in protest of the club's transfer dealings. The Portugal icon's absence from a key match against Al-Riyadh has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, signaling the severity of his discontent with the club's management.

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The Benzema Transfer Controversy

Ronaldo's strike action is primarily fueled by the controversial transfer of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, a move orchestrated by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Feeling sidelined and betrayed by these transactions, Ronaldo has expressed his frustration by going on strike, a bold move that has raised serious questions about his future at Al-Nassr.

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Ronaldo's Contractual Obligations and Release Clause

Despite being one of the highest-earning footballers in the world, Ronaldo's commitment to Al-Nassr is being questioned as he pushes for assurances regarding the club's direction. With a staggering release clause of €50 million in his contract, speculation is rife about potential suitors, including Sporting CP and clubs in Türkiye, eyeing a move for the superstar.

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Reactions and Responses

The football community has been quick to react to Ronaldo's standoff with Al-Nassr. Former England international Danny Murphy criticized Ronaldo's actions as 'self-indulgent nonsense,' while Benzema defended his transfer as a bid to help his new team win titles. Al-Nassr, on the other hand, faces mounting pressure to resolve the situation and appease their disgruntled star player.

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Uncertainty and Speculation

As the saga unfolds, uncertainty looms over Ronaldo's immediate future with Al-Nassr. Despite hints of his return to action, the ongoing standoff raises doubts about his availability for upcoming matches, leaving fans and pundits alike on the edge of their seats. Will Ronaldo reconcile with the club or seek a new path in his illustrious career? Only time will tell.

Published on Feb 5, 2026