Walid Al-Faraj to Cristiano Ronaldo: “This Country is Called Saudi Arabia, Not Ronaldo’s Arabia”
Prominent Saudi sports journalist and television host Walid Al-Faraj has issued a scathing critique of Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo, urging the Portuguese superstar to “know his place” following reports of internal discord and the player’s recent absence from key matches.
Speaking on his widely watched program “Action Ma’ Waleed,” Al-Faraj addressed the growing controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s reported dissatisfaction with the club’s management and transfer dealings. The veteran broadcaster did not mince words, reminding the five-time Ballon d’Or winner of his status as an employee within the Kingdom’s professional league structure.
“Cristiano Ronaldo needs to know his place. This country is called Saudi Arabia, not Ronaldo’s Arabia,” Al-Faraj stated during the broadcast. “He confuses being an ambassador with being a manager.”
The criticism comes amidst a turbulent period for Al-Nassr, with reports suggesting that Ronaldo has been frustrated by what he perceives as a lack of financial backing and squad investment compared to rival Public Investment Fund (PIF) owned clubs, particularly Al-Hilal. These tensions reportedly led to the forward missing recent fixtures, a move that Al-Faraj characterized as unprofessional for a player of his stature and compensation level.
“He has been a disappointment. He is an employee, he earns a millionaire’s salary – more than he has ever earned in Europe – and he has to respect the league, or he has to leave,” Al-Faraj asserted. He went on to draw comparisons with top European leagues to highlight the irregularity of the situation. “Imagine a Manchester City player refusing to play in protest against the club owner’s decisions. Or an Arsenal player refusing two games because he is unhappy with the renewal offer. It is impossible for a player to dare do that in the Premier League.”
Al-Faraj also dismissed the notion that the Saudi Pro League or Al-Nassr should capitulate to the demands of any single individual, regardless of their global fame. He emphasized that the integrity of the competition and the institutions within it takes precedence over star power.
“We will not bow down for the player. Are we going to beg him?” Al-Faraj questioned rhetorically. “Our country and our league are more important than any single player, and Al-Nassr Club has always been, and will always be, a top club whether or not Ronaldo is there.”
The comments have sparked intense debate across social media platforms, dividing opinion between fans who feel Ronaldo’s concerns about competitiveness are valid and those who agree with Al-Faraj that the player’s actions are undermining the club’s hierarchy. As Al-Nassr continues its campaign, the spotlight remains firmly on the relationship between the league’s most high-profile import and the administration he represents.
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