Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered the perfect response to his Portugal fallout, scoring his 980th career goal as Al Nassr cruised to a 3-0 victory over Al Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League.
The 41-year-old struck in the 23rd minute of his first club appearance since walking out of Portugal's Nations League training camp, tapping home after goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah could only parry Kingsley Coman's effort into his path. It was a poacher's finish, and it came with a message.
A statement on the pitch
Ronaldo's celebration said plenty. Days after releasing an explosive statement explaining that a breakdown of trust with Jorge Jesus had forced his departure from the national squad, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner let his football do the talking at Al-Awwal Park.
talkSPORT reports that the veteran has now reached 980 goals for club and country, edging ever closer to the mythical 1,000-goal mark that no male player in history has ever reached.
The goal was allowed to stand after a brief VAR check for a possible offside against Sadio Mane in the build-up. Ronaldo, who said he still wants to play for his country despite the row, showed no ill-effects from the most turbulent international break of his career.
Nassr back to winning ways
It was also a much-needed result for the club. Al Nassr had managed just one win in four matches in all competitions before the international break, but Friday night's performance was far more convincing.
Samu Costa doubled the lead before half-time, heading home Joao Felix's corner, and Coman sealed the points in the 77th minute — latching on to Mane's through ball and firing home. The victory moved Al Nassr level on points with leaders Al-Qadsiah, according to SportRadar.
What next for Ronaldo and Portugal?
The uncertainty over Ronaldo's international future refuses to go away. He was an unused substitute in Portugal's 2-1 win away at Norway in the Nations League, was asked to warm up but never called upon, and then left the squad entirely — reportedly apologising to his team-mates and fans earlier this week while standing by his criticism of Jesus.
There are even suggestions that the Portuguese Football Federation could consider a sanction following his abrupt departure. But Ronaldo's camp have been clear: he does not intend to retire from international football, and the 41-year-old believes he still has plenty to offer.
Portugal, meanwhile, are navigating a congested fixture list without their all-time top scorer. The contrast could hardly be starker: while Jesus's side grind out results, Ronaldo is already back among the goals.
Beyond the Final Whistle: Ronaldo has scored in his first game back, moved one step closer to 1,000 career goals, and reminded Portugal exactly what they would be missing without him. Will Jorge Jesus pick up the phone? Let us know in the comments.
