Mirror Football
10 tetor 2026
Al-Nassr fans welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo back with a complimentary banner just days after his Portugal walkout. The veteran forward turned his back on the Portuguese national team this month following a row with boss Jorge Jesus over his playing time.
With the international break now over, Ronaldo was back in action for Saudi employers Al-Nassr on Friday as they took on Diriyah. And it was a productive return for the 41-year-old as he scored a free-kick in a 3-0 win.
It leaves the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star with four goals from eight appearances for the side this season.
Ronaldo’s walkout does not appear to have harmed his relationship with supporters of the Saudi side, with fans unfurling a banner ahead of the game that read: 'Greatness is earned, CR7, all-time top scorer in football history'.
Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.
To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two:
2. Enter your email and hit Subscribe
The exchange is a marked difference from Ronaldo’s last appearance - or lack thereof - alongside Portugal fans. He was criticised for not acknowledging supporters following a victory against Norway.
And he has issued an apology for that decision in a lengthy statement discussing why he walked out of Portugal’s latest camp. He said: “At the end of the match I only wanted everything to finish with the victory and to be alone. I did not go to greet the fans.
"A failing that is solely my responsibility and that should not have happened. I apologise to the Portuguese who supported us intensely there, I apologise to the fans, and I apologise to those who, without being Portuguese, may have travelled there to see me and whom I may have disappointed."
Ronaldo also apologised to both his teammates and the Portuguese FA and claimed he should be punished.
He added: "The consequence of this act of mine must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation. I understand that the punishment should have no mitigating factors. I am not just any player; I am team captain, and that constitutes an aggravating factor.
"I have already apologised, but I know that attitudes must have consequences. Anyone who is in football as I am knows that, regardless of each person’s status, the rules are the same for everyone.”
Ronaldo has already been met with consequences, having been automatically suspended, while a disciplinary board will now decide on the length of his ban.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice
Artikull nga Mirror Football. GoalingBreak shfaq tekstin për lehtësi leximi: të gjitha të drejtat mbeten të botuesit.
Lexo origjinalin →