Darwin Nunez sends clear message to Al Hilal owners after being axed from squad

Darwin Nunez appeared to aim a message at Al Hilal's ownership during their AFC Champions League clash against Al Wahda, just days after being axed from the club's Saudi Pro League squad.

Following the arrival of Karim Benzema in January, Nunez was removed from Al Hilal's squad list for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season.

Saudi clubs are only allowed to register eight foreign players born before 2003 in their 25-man squads and Nunez, who joined from Liverpool last summer for £46.1 million plus add-ons, was cut alongside former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari.

"The decision was difficult, but that's the job of a coach," said Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi.

"He makes many decisions every day, even in every training session. Nunez and Pablo are good players. I want them in all competitions, but we know the restrictions on registering foreign players."

Darwin Nunez has been removed from Al Hilal's Saudi Pro League squad for the remainder of the season. Image credit: Getty

Inzaghi added: "We couldn't register Marcos Leonardo as a player born in Saudi Arabia. Time was of the essence, and I made the difficult decision. I calmly informed the excluded players of my decision."

Nunez has yet to make a public statement regarding his omission, but he delivered an emphatic response on Monday night, scoring a brace in a 2-1 win over Al Wahd in the AFC Champions League.

After scoring his second of the game, Nunez turned around and stared into the box where Al Hilal's owner sits.

With a wry smile, he maintained that gaze for several seconds before looking away and muttering something under his breath. It is unclear what Nunez said, but his muted celebration has become a big talking point.

Nunez, who has scored nine goals in 24 appearances this season, earns a reported £20 million per year at Al Hilal, according to the Liverpool Echo, which equates to almost £400,000 per week in wages.

To put his wage into perspective, Capology suggests the striker takes home more than Virgil van Dijk, Bruno Fernandes and Lamine Yamal.

Speaking in his first interview as an Al Hilal player in August, Nunez said: “I felt like one of them, and that’s the most important. I’m here to contribute and help the team."

He also expressed his pride after head coach Inzaghi personally reached out and explained his desire to bring him to the club.