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SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 MD7 Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr SFC gestures during their Match Day 7 of the SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 against Al-Ahli Saudi FC at the King Saud University Stadium on September 14, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.09.22_PSI03215_SRA_0000504
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1034734690h.jpg)
via Imago
SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 MD7 Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr SFC gestures during their Match Day 7 of the SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 against Al-Ahli Saudi FC at the King Saud University Stadium on September 14, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.09.22_PSI03215_SRA_0000504
In the newly-emerged realm of Saudi Arabian soccer, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr stand as two of the most prominent clubs. Although Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shine in Al-Nassr’s colors, it was their rivals Al-Hilal, who initially struck a deal with Ronaldo. However, as Al-Hilal was unsuccessful in luring the Portuguese, their president made a statement that reverberated.
Al-Hilal is set to face Al-Nassr for a thrilling showdown in the Saudi Pro League in the upcoming days. The latest comments from the club’s chief add more fuel to the heated discussion between the rivals. Let’s uncover the claims made by Al-Hilal’s president.
Al-Hilal president takes a jibe at Al-Nassr after failing to sign Cristiano Ronaldo
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Although Al-Hilal has been dominating in the Saudi Pro League, it’s hard to ignore the conundrum surrounding their connection with Cristiano Ronaldo. Al Hilal was on the brink of securing the services of the Portuguese maestro, willing to pay a $31 million transfer fee and offering a two-year contract. Yet, the deal collapsed due to a transfer ban on the Saudi club, leaving fans wondering about what could have been.
Regret de ne pas avoir pu finaliser la signature de Cristiano Ronaldo à cause de l’interdiction ?
🎙️Fahad Bin Nafel :
« Alhamdulilah nous avons réussi dans d'autres signatures, et le plus important est de remporter des titres mais non pas de finaliser des signatures. »
— SPL 🇸🇦 (@ActuSPL) November 21, 2023
However, moving on with their failed deal, Al-Hilal’s president Fahad ben Nafel has assured that winning titles is more important than finalizing signings. “We have succeeded in other signings, and the most important thing is to win titles but not to finalize signings,” the president claimed when reminded about Ronaldo.
As per Al-Hilal’s club president, money was never the stumbling block in their failed pursuit of Ronaldo. Only the uncertainty surrounding the transfer ban halted their plans and the deal. The anticipation increases among fans as now, Cristiano Ronaldo will be leading rivals Al-Nassr in the upcoming derby in the Saudi League.
The upcoming derby will be a clash of titans
The stage is set for an electrifying derby clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr on November 1st. Cristiano Ronaldo will be leading the line for Al-Nassr in the high-octane showdown. The Portuguese talisman is already leading the goal-scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League with an impressive tally of 13 goals in 12 matches. He’ll be looking to add more to his tally against Al-Hilal.
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via Reuters
Soccer Football – Saudi Pro League – Al Nassr v Al Khaleej – Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 4, 2023 Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
As the Al Hilal fans brace themselves for the upcoming clash against Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, the significance of Ben Nafel’s bold claim becomes evident. The outcome of this derby could have significant implications for the remainder of the season. It’ll surely be a clash of titans, that will shape the narrative of the Saudi Pro League season.
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