A text message from former Al-Hilal player Karim Benzema reportedly unsettled his ex-Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, leading the football icon to initiate an attack against Al-Nassr.
This was revealed after Benzema’s transfer from Al-Ittihad in January, subsequent to his dispute with Al-Hilal.
The French player transferred from Jeddah to Riyadh on the deadline day, departing from the team that secured the championship previous season.
Ronaldo has shown discontent following last week’s transfer deadline, declining to participate in Al-Nassr’s last two matches as a protest.
The Telegraph reports that Ronaldo’s strike action commenced following a text message from Benzema during the finalisation of his transfer to Al-Hilal.
A source familiar with the matter informed the Telegraph that Karim Benzema communicated with a buddy regarding his transfer to Al-Hilal.
The Frenchman jested with Ronaldo, asserting that he would receive a pay increase upon transferring to Al-Hilal and would also secure the league title.
Despite the ostensibly favourable message, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed discontent with Karim Benzema’s potential transfer to Al-Hilal and attempted to impede the transaction.
He failed to attain that objective and initiated a strike to protest what he perceives as inequitable treatment by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Ronaldo observed that his team had only acquired Hayder AbdulKareem and Abdullah Al-Hamdan, which paled in comparison to the signings made by Al-Hilal.
Al-Hilal acquired French player Mohamed Kader Meite and seasoned defender Pablo Mari, in addition to Benzema, as they strive for the league crown.
Ronaldo has reportedly submitted a list of his demands to the appropriate parties to conclude his strike. He is prepared to exit the club midway through his two-year deal if his demands are not fulfilled.