By Ramiro Diaz
After Al-Nassr’s elimination from the Asian Champions League, a tournament that was crucial for both the club and Cristiano Ronaldo, the criticism surrounding the Portuguese forward has intensified. During the match, Ronaldo had several clear opportunities to change the course of the game, but failed to capitalise on them. As the game progressed, a double chance also missed by Duran put more pressure on the forwards. Had either of those chances been converted, a 3-3 draw would have forced extra time, but in the end, the defeat stood, and Ronaldo, along with Duran, became some of the most exposed players to the criticism.
Mido, an Arab sports analyst, tried to defend the Portuguese star during a TV programme, arguing that it was unfair for Ronaldo to carry all the responsibility for what happened at Al-Nassr. According to him, "the problem with the team is much bigger than him." However, this defence did not last long, as the criticism soon escalated, focusing on Ronaldo’s high salary and his focus on personal records. Several analysts pointed out that the player had benefited more from being at Al-Nassr than the club had from having him.
“Ronaldo’s main goal is to reach his 1,000th goal, not to win titles with Al-Nassr. His focus is on securing his financial future and continuing to collect personal gains,” remarked some experts. The opinion circulating in the Arab media is clear: Cristiano is more focused on his records and earning money until his last day with the club, while sporting success takes a back seat.
The situation has led many to question the decision to renew his contract. One analyst stated that, if they were in charge, “I wouldn’t renew his contract and instead, I’d use that money to sign several strong players and build a competitive team, as the 100 million euros spent on Ronaldo could have been better allocated to strengthen other areas of the squad.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s figure has been a recurring topic of debate, especially after the recent criticism regarding his impact on the team’s performance. While some consider him Al-Nassr’s great saviour, others believe that his presence may be hindering the real growth of the squad. Without a doubt, the Portuguese forward’s future at the club is more uncertain than ever, and the club’s upcoming decisions could determine his long-term stay.
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