 "Cristiano Ronaldo and Stefano Pioli during a match. Image: Reuters")
Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to the sacking of Al Nassr coach Stefano Pioli with a short but respectful message on social media. Sharing Al Nassr’s official post confirming Pioli’s exit, Ronaldo wrote, “Grazie per tutto!" (Thank you for everything).
Reports suggested Ronaldo wanted Pioli out
This comes at a time when there had been reports that Ronaldo was not happy with Pioli and had wanted him removed. Back in May, Saudi media outlet Okaz Sports reported that Ronaldo was demanding big changes at Al Nassr if he was to stay at the club beyond this season and that included removing coach Stefano Pioli.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023 and has only won one title so far, the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. This season, Al Nassr fell short again, losing in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite and finishing behind in the Saudi Pro League title race.
According to reports, Ronaldo was growing frustrated with the lack of trophies and believed Pioli’s tactics were not helping the team progress. Pioli was appointed in September 2024 but couldn’t deliver silverware during his time at the club.
As per the reports, Ronaldo was also unhappy with the transfer strategy and wanted someone new in charge who could build a winning team. Despite all the speculations, Ronaldo’s farewell message suggests that there is no controversy at the club right now.
Speculation over Ronaldo’s future at Al Nassr
Earlier, there were also reports that Ronaldo would leave the club before the start of the new season. The rumour was triggered after Ronaldo took to social media following their dismal season to declare that a “chapter is over.” Several media reports suggested that Ronaldo was looking to play in the FIFA Club World Cup , and for that, he needed a team that had qualified.
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However, those reports turned out to be baseless as Ronaldo didn’t join any club for the expanded Club World Cup in the United States. Instead, he played for Portugal in the UEFA Nations League and won against Spain in the final.