Cristiano Ronaldo rejects rival staff member's selfie approach after Al-Nassr draw with Al-Khaleej
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly rejected advances for a selfie from an Al-Khaleej member of staff following Al-Nassr's 1-1 league draw yesterday (May 8).
It was a frustrating day at the office for the Portugal icon as his team dropped two more points in their bid for the Saudi Pro League title. Fabio Martins gave Al-Khaleej the lead within four minutes before Alvaro Gonzalez equalized 13 minutes later.
Before the game, Al-Nassr had 57 points from 25 games and trailed league-leaders Al-Ittihad by two points. Now, it seems unlikely that Al-Nassr will mount a comeback in the 30-game season if Al-Ittihad beat Abha on May 8.
Following the full-time whistle, Ronaldo marched towards the tunnel in a visibly frustrated mood, as per the Express. A member of staff from the opposition opposed him for a selfie, but the former Real Madrid forward made it clear he was in no mood for it.
Ronaldo put up an impressive display himself, managing eight shots and creating two goal-scoring chances. However, he wasn't able to convert any of those into a goal.
'CR7' has often cut a frustrated figure this season when his team aren't winning. Al-Nassr are out of the King's Cup and the Saudi Super Cup, and Ronaldo is on course to finish the season without silverware.
It has been claimed that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could leave the Riyadh-based giants this summer, with Real Madrid interested. Los Blancos are apparently open to facilitating his return but not as a player.
In contrasting scenes earlier in the day, Ronaldo's rival Lionel Messi was named the 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.
Rivaldo has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to ditch Al-Nassr and return to Real Madrid
Brazilian legend Rivaldo has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo has been 'fooled' by his big-money contract at Al-Nassr and wants him to return to Real Madrid.
For Rivaldo, the money isn't worth the struggles the 38-year-old is facing at his new club. He told Mundo Deportivo, via Indian Express:
"I understand that sometimes the players are fooled by the big contract they sign in Saudi Arabia but then life there is more closed and football is not always as easy as expected.
He added:
"So, you may be going through a phase of some disappointment and even reflection. If the money you’re getting makes up for the not-so-happy life you’re living right now. It would be good for him and for football to see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Real Madrid to finish his career."
The former Manchester United superstar signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Saudi club in January which sees him pocket £175 million in yearly wages.