The details of an alleged text message from Al-Hilal star Karim Benzema to former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after his January transfer from Al-Ittihad have been revealed. The Frenchman swapped Jeddah for Riyadh on transfer deadline day after forcing a move away from the reigning champions.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been left feeling disgruntled since the transfer deadline day last week, missing each of his side’s last two games in protest. His strike action can be said to have been triggered by a text message from Benzema as his Al-Hilal deal was being finalized.
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According to Telegraph Sport, a source close to the situation has reported that Karim Benzema sent a text to his friend intimating him of the progress of his switch to Al-Hilal. The one-time Ballon d’Or winner jokingly told Ronaldo that he would be getting a pay rise from his move to Al-Hilal, and would also get to win the league title.
Despite the light note of the message, Cristiano Ronaldo was unhappy with Karim Benzema’s impending move to Al-Hilal, prompting him to try and scupper the deal. He did not succeed with this, and has since embarked on a strike against the perceived injustice from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Ronaldo saw his side only sign Hayder AbdulKareem and Abdullah Al-Hamdan, low-profile additions compared to the signings from Al-Hilal. The league leaders added French sensation Mohamed Kader Meite and veteran defender Pablo Mari to Benzema as they look to win the league title.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly forwarded a list of his demands to the appropriate quarters for him to return to action for Al-Nassr. He is prepared to leave the club midway through his two-year contract with them if his demands are not met.
Karim Benzema bagged hat-trick in Al-Hilal debut as Cristiano Ronaldo stayed aloof
Karim Benzema scored thrice for Al-Hilal in his debut for the club while his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo remains unhappy with his move. The Frenchman saw his side claim a 6-0 win over Al-Okhdood in their Saudi Pro League meeting last week to retain their lead atop the standings.
Benzema scored in both halves for his new side after he was thrown straight into the starting XI by manager Simone Inzaghi. His goals kept Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr at bay after the Knights of Najd defeated their rivals and reigning champions Al-Ittihad 2-0.
Ronaldo was not named in the matchday squad for Al-Nassr in the game, as he was also absent for their derby meeting with Al-Riyadh last Monday. The 41-year-old has been in training for his side, but the date of his return is yet to be known.
Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen
