Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly left crying after Al Nassr’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Al Ettifaq, having requested to be substituted at half-time to give his side greater energy in the second half.
The Portugal forward and Al Nassr captain was replaced during the interval in Tuesday’s Roshn Saudi League match, a decision that surprised supporters and viewers because of his importance to the team.
Ronaldo had also appeared frustrated at the end of the first half, making several angry gestures as the players left the pitch. His reaction led to speculation that he was unhappy with Al Nassr’s performance and had been informed that he would be taken off.
However, Saudi sports broadcaster Khalid Al-Shunaif said on his programme Dorina Ghair that Ronaldo himself had asked to leave the game.
According to Al-Shunaif, the 39-year-old believed Al Nassr needed a more active player who could apply pressure and help the team during the remainder of the contest.
“Ronaldo left in agreement with the coach and was not forced to do so. He believed the team’s interests would be served by his departure and the introduction of another player, and that is what happened,” Al-Shunaif said.
He added that Ronaldo became extremely emotional after the final whistle and cried heavily. Al-Shunaif said that was the main reason the forward did not walk out to greet the Al Nassr supporters, as he usually does after matches.
Al Nassr eventually completed a difficult comeback to beat Al Ettifaq 3-2 and maintain their perfect start to the league campaign. The result was their third victory in as many matches in this season’s Roshn Saudi League.
Ronaldo’s decision to come off came during a match that also attracted discussion about refereeing decisions. A refereeing expert suggested that the Al Nassr captain should have been awarded a penalty and claimed there had also been an error in the sending-off of goalkeeper Bento.
The account of Ronaldo’s reaction provides further context to one of the most unexpected moments of Al Nassr’s comeback victory. Rather than being removed against his wishes, he is reported to have concluded that the team would benefit from a player able to press more intensely in the second half.
Al Nassr will now prepare for their next league fixture against Al Taawoun on Friday. They go into the fourth round having won each of their opening three matches, while attention will remain on Ronaldo’s fitness, mood and involvement following his unusual early departure against Al Ettifaq.
