Ronaldo’s Al Nassr must deny claims the former president felt ‘MANAGED’ by the star’s move
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr had to deny claims their former president said he felt ‘MANAGED’ by the Portuguese star’s £175m-a-year transfer… just two days after being sacked over a lackluster season from the club
Al-Nassr dismissed claims that their former president Musalli Al-Muammar had said the club had been ‘cheated’ by Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia after reports emerged claiming Al-Muammar had joked about moving to an Arab news center.
Al-Muammar brought Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League squad after an explosive end to his second spell at Manchester United.
But his time in Saudi Arabia hasn’t exactly been brilliant, and after a disappointing league campaign and an early exit from the King Cup of Champions, there are rumors that Al-Nassr may come to regret their high-profile signing.
Spanish newspaper El Desmarque reported that Al-Muammar made the comments in an interview with Arabic News 50: “
But Al-Nassr’s press adviser Walid Al-Muhaidib vehemently denied that the jibe was made, calling the claim “false” and pointing out that there was no such outlet as Arabic News 50.
Speak against news agency EFEAl-Muhaidib said: “The story in the Spanish press that we cheated the Ronaldo deal, based on the Arabia News 50 website, is false and incorrect.
“The press came up with his joke and thought it was true.”
Al-Muammar resigned as leader of the Riyadh club on Wednesday in the wake of Al-Nassr’s flawed season, set to end on May 31.
After submitting his letter of resignation to the Saudi Ministry of Sports, Al-Muammar also dissolved the current board of directors, with a view to a fresh start before the end of the season.
The president isn’t the only casualty at the club lately – head coach Rudi Garcia was sacked on April 13 following poor form.
The manager, who was reportedly feuding with his players and failing to impress with his £175 million-a-year signing, has since been replaced by the club’s Under 19 coach Dinko Jelicic.
Al-Nassr are currently second in the table behind Al-Ittihad by just three points, but their title rivals still have two games to play.
Following their final league defeat to Al-Hilal, Ronaldo sparked controversy by making a lewd gesture at fans who taunted him as he walked through the tunnel of King Fahd International Stadium.
Saudi lawyer Nouf bin Ahmed called for the player to be deported after video of the incident circulated on Twitter.