Al-Nassr fans display special three-word tifo for Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal controversy

Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his first goal REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action for Al-Nassr on Friday, scoring in a 3-0 win over Diriyah after a controversial international break with Portugal.The 41-year-old striker received a warm welcome from Al-Nassr supporters who displayed a giant tifo that read “Greatness is deserved”.The tribute came days after Ronaldo’s decision to quit the Portugal squad attracted attention.Ronaldo opened the scoring before half-time to help Al-Nassr secure an important victory in the Saudi Pro League. The result moved the defending champions within a point of league leaders Al-Qadsiah, who remain top on goal difference after eight rounds.

Ronaldo responds to controversy with a goal

Ronaldo’s return to club football followed a difficult international break. He was left on the bench for Portugal’s second match and was reportedly set to come on as a substitute in the third before leaving the squad. The forward, who scored 146 goals in 234 games for Portugal, also criticized coach Jorge Jesus in a lengthy statement released on Tuesday, saying the coach had not kept his word about his role in the Nations League.Reports in the English media suggested Ronaldo could face a ban, with a decision expected on Friday.Despite the controversy, the former five-time Ballon d’Or winner started for Al-Nassr and made an immediate impact.

Al-Nassr seals a comfortable victory

Ronaldo scored midway through the first half after Kingsley Coman’s effort from outside the penalty area was blocked by goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah. The Portuguese forward collected the rebound from close range and scored the 980th goal of his career.Samu Costa doubled Al-Nassr’s lead just before half-time, while Coman completed the 3-0 victory with 13 minutes remaining. The team is coached by former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr win the Saudi Professional League title in May under Jesus, with the show of support from the fans a further sign of his popularity at the club.Meanwhile, Al-Qadsiah consolidated their position at the top with a 5-0 win over Al-Kholood. The Dutch representative Tijjani Reijnders scored the opening goal, Italian Mateo Retegui and Mexican Julian Quinones also found the net.