Cristiano Ronaldo ‘could leave Al-Nassr for free’ as he lines up return to former club
Cristiano Ronaldo could be set to leave Al-Nassr sooner than many expected after going on strike over disagreements surrounding the club’s transfer activity.
The legendary forward has been training alone at the Saudi Pro League club and has already refused to play in games against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Ronaldo may encourage the Saudi club to terminate his contract so that he can leave for free.
That would facilitate a return to Europe, given there are doubts about whether any club would be able to afford to pay his wages alongside what would be a hefty transfer fee.
The 41-year-old has widely been linked with a return to one of his former clubs, with Sporting CP the favourites as any links with a return to Man United have been rubbished.
Cristiano Ronaldo plans to quit Al-Nassr
Football Insider revealed on 6 February that Ronaldo could push to leave Al-Nassr in similar style to his departure from Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag.
The Portugal international, who is chasing an historic 1000th career goal and currently sits on 961, is already believed to be eyeing up his next destination.
“It looks like Ronaldo is trying to force a move,” Brown told Football Insider.
“I have immediate issues when players refuse to train or play, he’s under contract and he has to honour that, it doesn’t matter if he’s unhappy for whatever reason.
“It’s unforgivable as far as I’m concerned, especially when they’re paying him that sort of money.
“If he’s already got something in mind where he could move, back to Europe, back to one of his old clubs, whatever it may be, then it’s clear what he’s doing.
“Nobody will be able to afford to sign him with a transfer fee as well as his wages, but it might be a bit more realistic if he’s available on a free.
“Especially at 41 years old, he’s done brilliantly and hit fitness levels are astounding, but he’s obviously not the player he was.
“So he goes and orchestrates a bust-up with the manager, the club, the league, whoever it is and ultimately gets his contract terminated so he can move on.
“I’m not saying that has definitely happened, it’s a pathetic way of going about it, but he did it before at Man United and it’s happened before elsewhere too.”
Lionel Messi’s next steps revealed amid Ronaldo drama
Compared to the dramatic recent speculation surrounding Ronaldo and his future in Saudi Arabia, his rival Lionel Messi is enjoying a quiet life in the MLS.
The greatest footballer of all time led Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup triumph against Vancouver Whitecaps in December and has since penned a new contract.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains one of the world’s best players, and Football Insider revealed last month that Messi plans to finish his career at Inter Miami.
Football Insider revealed that Messi has snubbed Saudi Pro League interest, where he could have joined Ronaldo after a jaw-dropping £1.2billion offer was made.
Instead, he wants to continue his success in the U.S.A where he remains on a huge contract with the club owned by David Beckham.
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