White smoke in Riyadh. The standoff that paralyzed the Al Nassr universe and left the football world in suspense has come to an end: Cristiano Ronaldo has concluded his protest period and is now reintegrated into the team's activities. However, despite the peace reached, the Portuguese international will not play this Wednesday in the Asian Champions League 2 (the Saudis are playing in Turkmenistan against Arkadag), with his return to the pitch scheduled for Saturday in the Saudi Pro League against Al Fateh. Alongside the disagreements with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) regarding the unequal treatment of the country's main clubs — a topic that A BOLA has closely followed in recent days — there is a crucial factor that influenced the captain's decision: the social issue. Ronaldo, in a demonstration of leadership that transcends the pitch, included in his protest the delay in salary payments to several employees and collaborators of the Saudi club. A BOLA has learned that the structure of Al Nassr yielded to the pressure from the Portuguese star and has settled all outstanding payments to employees in recent hours. This gesture of solidarity from CR7 was decisive for the white smoke, proving that the captain was also fighting for the dignity of those who work daily in the shadow of the Riyadh giant. Another development, following the meetings with Cristiano Ronaldo, involves José Semedo and Simão Coutinho. The two Portuguese executives of Al Nassr have regained the powers that were taken from them at the end of December, which had prevented them from being key players in the winter market. Although the reintegration is the news that fans have been eagerly awaiting, the return to the pitch will have to wait. The plan is for a strong comeback in the next round of the Saudi League, away against Al Fateh. CR7 is back in training, but the message has been sent: in Riyadh, the captain does not compromise on maximum demands, whether in tactical terms or in respect for those who serve the club. The standoff ended with a total victory for the Portuguese.
Ronaldo Wins Standoff Play White remains central to this story.
Ronaldo Wins Standoff Play White remains central to this story.
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