Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut for his new club, Al-Nassr, will have to wait for at least three more games. The Portuguese star was on the stands for the team’s 2-0 win against Al Tae’e yesterday, and you might be wondering why he isn’t featuring just yet.
The issue isn’t related to fitness or fatigue. Instead, it is regarding the ban he faced while playing for Manchester United. The FA handed him a three-match ban for slapping a phone out of a supporter’s hand at Everton. And he will be serving that ban even though he has changed clubs.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr debut delayed for this reason
The 37-year-old was seen celebrating his Brazilian teammate, Talisca’s goal, as they picked up a win in their first home game since the arrival of the star.
Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Al-Nassr. It is the most expensive deal ever handed to a football player, and he is expected to earn a salary of €200 million after factoring in image rights and sponsorships.
The most realistic timeframe for his first appearance is expected against Al-Ettifaq on January 22nd. There is also a chance he could play a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain, on January 19. Then, he would be a part of the Saudi Riyadh superteam set to face the French champions.