RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League match against Al Riyadh on Monday amid reports he is on strike over the club’s lack of transfer activity.
Portuguese media outlet A Bola reported that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is unhappy that Al-Nassr, which is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investement Fund, has not strengthened its squad as it challenges for the league title.
Heading into the game, Al-Nassr was second behind rival Al Hilal, which is also backed by the PIF and has been linked with Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema.
Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo declined to comment, according to Saudi media.
The 40-year-old Ronaldo has scored 17 goals this season.
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