Al-Nassr fans think Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at the club could be up after what happened in the side’s last Saudi Pro League game.
Ronaldo, 40, joined Al-Nassr in 2023 and has since continued his goalscoring exploits by netting 91 goals in 103 games for the SPL side – including 23 in 28 games this season.
However, his contributions have not been enough this term, as Al-Nassr sit third in the division with just three games left to play and trail league leaders Al-Ittihad by 11 points.
On Saturday (May 10), reports emerged from Spanish outlet MARCA claiming that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star has ‘halted’ negotiations with regards to a new two-year deal at the Saudi club due to their poor form.
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On Monday (May 12), Al-Nassr had a taste of life without Ronaldo in the side, as the 40-year-old missed the trip to Al Akhdoud due to fitness concerns.
However, it’s fair to say his absence was barely noticeable during a 9-0 win, in which former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane netted four times and ex-Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran secured a brace.
Fans were quick to have their say on social media.
One said: "Ronaldo's replacement squad putting in a shift, you love to see it."
Another added: "That's just a weak team... if we look all the matches Ronaldo didn't play with Al Nassr this season - almost every match is either a loss or a draw."
A third explained: "Ronaldo on the bench realising he could have bagged 4 goals to reach 1000 early."
While a fourth commented: "It’s so clear that Portugal & Al Nassr are better without Ronaldo man… shame on him!"
So, what has Ronaldo said about his future at Al-Nassr?
"I don't know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire here at Al-Nassr," Ronaldo said when he spoke to Portuguese TV channel Now [quotes via TNT Sports] back in 2024.
"I'm happy at this club, I feel good in this country too. I'm happy to play in Saudi Arabia, and I want to continue."
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Pro League, Football, Sadio Mane
Luke Davies