Connect with us

Sport

Saudi Pro League Rejects Ronaldo League Influence Claims

Published

on

Ronaldo

Saudi Pro League officials reject claims of Ronaldo league influence, insisting recruitment and decisions remain strictly club-led

The Saudi Pro League has firmly rejected suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo can influence league-wide decisions, amid growing uncertainty over the Portugal forward’s future at Al-Nassr Football Club.

Also read: Victor Osimhen waited an hour for Cristiano Ronaldo selfie in emotional fan moment

adron lemon friday

The league’s position was outlined on Friday following reports that Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al-Nassr and Portugal striker, had grown increasingly frustrated with the club’s direction and broader league developments.

The 41-year-old forward was omitted from Al-Nassr’s squad for Monday’s league fixture against Al-Riyadh, triggering reports in Portugal that he had declined to play amid internal discontent.

Cristiano Ronaldo later posted an image of himself training, but doubt remains over whether he will feature in Friday’s match against Al-Ittihad.

According to reports cited by the British Broadcasting Corporation, the player’s dissatisfaction was fuelled by the high-profile transfer of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to league leaders Al-Hilal earlier this week.

Karim Benzema, a former Real Madrid team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo, made an immediate impact by scoring a hat-trick on his debut in a commanding 6-0 victory over Al-Okhdood.

Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has driven the rapid expansion and global visibility of the Saudi Pro League.

However, league officials moved swiftly to counter any suggestion that star players could shape recruitment or strategic decisions across clubs.

In a statement to BBC Sport, a Saudi Pro League spokesperson said the competition operates on the principle that each club functions independently under the same regulatory framework.

The spokesperson said clubs retain full control over recruitment, spending and sporting strategy, within financial rules designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance.

Acknowledging Cristiano Ronaldo’s stature, the spokesperson said the forward has played an important role in Al-Nassr’s growth since joining in 2022 and remains a fiercely competitive figure.

However, the official stressed that no individual, regardless of profile, determines decisions beyond their own club.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United midway through the 2021 to 2022 season, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history on a reported annual salary of £177 million.

Also read: Manchester United make contact with Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent over return this summer

Despite a prolific scoring record, his only major trophy with the club remains the Arab Club Champions Cup.

74 / 100 SEO Score

News

Arteta Praises Moyes, Warns Arsenal of Everton Threat

Published

on

Moyes

Arteta praises Moyes ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Everton, warning that David Moyes’ organised side poses a serious threat

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Everton boss David Moyes as a respected figure in English football while warning that his team must prepare for a difficult Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Also read: Arokodare Eyes Permanent Ajax Move After Strong Start

adron lemon friday

Speaking ahead of the match on October 24, 2026, Arteta highlighted Moyes’ longevity, contribution to English football and qualities as both a coach and a person.

Asked whether Moyes could be considered the king of the Premier League, Arteta expressed admiration for his Everton counterpart.

“100%; I don’t know if it’s the king or what it is, but he’s certainly someone that I think we all look up to,” he said.

Arteta praised Moyes not only for his long career but also for what he represents within the game.

“Not only for his longevity, but I think what he represents for the game, what he represents for the Premier League, and his trajectory,” he said.

The Arsenal manager added that his personal relationship with Moyes had strengthened his respect for him.

“For me especially, because I know the man behind the coach, which is the most important thing, and then I really know as well the coach, and he’s a superb coach,” Arteta said.

Arteta spent six years at Everton as a player, giving him first-hand knowledge of the club and its expectations.

Despite Arsenal’s home advantage, Arteta cautioned against underestimating Everton, pointing to their tactical organisation and individual talent under Moyes.

“There are a lot, because I know David so well and how he sets the team, the quality they have in their organisation and individually,” he said.

Arteta also noted that Everton had avoided defeat before their most recent match, describing them as a well-balanced side capable of making life difficult for Arsenal.

“It’s no coincidence they didn’t lose before their last game.

They have a really good team, which we know because in recent clashes, it’s always been a really difficult game for us,” he added.

The warning underlines Arsenal’s need for concentration against an Everton side Arteta expects to provide a stern test.

Arteta also discussed the tactical approaches Arsenal could face, acknowledging that opposing teams would decide how best to challenge his side.

He said managers prepare their teams according to what they believe gives them the best chance of winning, meaning Arsenal must be ready for different styles of play.

“Every team is going to prepare in the best way with how they think they can beat us, like we do with the opponent,” Arteta said.

He explained that an early opportunity or goal could dramatically alter the course of a match, influencing how both teams approach the remaining minutes.

“You could have an open chance in the first 10 minutes that changes the game and then the next 80 minutes are different because of the context of the game, results have a huge impact on how teams behave,” he said.

Arteta stressed that Arsenal must be capable of finding solutions regardless of how the contest develops.

“We need to be able to win and enjoy as much as possible in every context,” he added.

The Spaniard also responded to discussions about Arsenal’s style of play, saying the team must focus on its own performance while respecting the opposition.

Arteta acknowledged that football naturally generates strong reactions and that assessments of a team can change depending on what happens during a match.

“I think you have to respect every opponent – it would be good to be a bit consistent, but it’s understandable,” he said.

He added that Arsenal’s responsibility was to deliver performances that keep supporters engaged, even when opponents adopt defensive or cautious tactics.

“But that’s normal, that’s the expectation, and our job is to create constant excitement. The opponent has a lot to do with how they want to play, it’s inevitable, but it’s on us,” Arteta said.

Arsenal’s meeting with Everton comes as the Gunners continue to balance their domestic campaign with European commitments.

Also read: Arokodare Eyes Permanent Ajax Move After Strong Start

Arteta’s comments make clear that he expects his players to adapt to the tactical demands of the contest and deliver a performance capable of securing a positive result.

67 / 100 SEO Score
Continue Reading

Sport

Arokodare Eyes Permanent Ajax Move After Strong Start

Published

on

Arokodare

Tolu Arokodare has expressed interest in a permanent Ajax move after an impressive loan spell, scoring and assisting in the win over Atalanta (more…)

74 / 100 SEO Score
Continue Reading

Sport

Courtois Warns Barcelona Ahead of El Clásico Showdown

Published

on

Courtois

Thibaut Courtois says El Clásico is always 50-50 as Real Madrid prepare to face Barcelona in Sunday’s La Liga clash at Camp Nou

(more…)

adron lemon friday

69 / 100 SEO Score
Continue Reading

Trending News