Cristiano Ronaldo could be forced to pay compensation as he makes huge decision on Al-Nassr future - Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo has decided that he's had enough of his Middle Eastern adventure and wants his way out of Al Nassr not even five months removed from his arrival.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Ronaldo, 38, has realised the glaring differences between the Saudi club's infrastructure to that of Europe. The Portuguese icon's camp are starting to publicly declare his desire to return to Europe and explore potential suitors.
Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Al Nassr as a free agent in January and signed a two-year deal worth a reported €200 million per year. He has impressed at Mrsool Park, scoring 13 goals and contributing two assists in 17 games across competitions.
However, the legendary striker's side have struggled. Al-Alami ar second in the Saudi Pro League, three points behind league leaders Al Ittihad. Manager Rudi Garcia was sacked in early April after a string of poor results.
If Ronaldo wants to secure his departure from the Saudi club, he will reportedly have to compensate for the remaining two years on his deal. Article 17 of the Regulations of the FIFA Player Transfer Statute state:
"In all cases, the party that terminates the contract undertakes to pay compensation."
The statute goes on to detail the requirements for a player to terminate their contract without just cause:
"The remuneration and other benefits owed to the player under the current contract or the new contract, the remaining contractual time, up to a maximum of five years, the fees and expenses paid by the previous club (amortized over the term of the contract), as well as the question of whether the termination of the contract occurs in a protected period."
Moreover, Cristiano Ronaldo will also be sanctioned with a four-month restriction on his eligibility to play in any official game. That differs from the way he departed former club Manchester United, as that was a mutual termination of his contract.
Cristiano Ronaldo said his work in Europe was done when he arrived at Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr and said that he had achieved all there was to achieve in Europe. The Portuguese icon said during his welcome ceremony at Mrsool Park:
“I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life, in football. As you mentioned before, in Europe my work, it’s done. I won everything."
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner certainly wasn't lying. Ronaldo won the UEFA Champions League five times while in Europe. He also won league titles in England with Manchester United, Spain with Real Madrid and Italy with Juventus.
The iconic forward continues to turn back the years with mesmerising performances, but that came to a halt in the last few months of his time at Old Trafford. His second spell with the Red Devils is now regarded as a bad move for both parties.
It will be intriguing to see where Ronaldo ends up at if he returns to Europe. For now, it appears he's looking to cut his Middle Eastern voyage short.