Cristiano Ronaldo came across as a frustrating figure after his team Al-Nassr suffered a crushing 1-0 defeat to their arch-rivals Al-Ittihad, and slipped to the second position in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese star himself couldn’t do much in the game, as he saw his team getting outclassed by a well-drilled opponent. 

He had just one shot on the target in the entire match. For the first time in four years it seemed like Al-Nassr will clinch the title, but the defeat has now changed the complexion. After eighty minutes of tussling without anything to show for, it was Romarinho’s goal that proved to be the difference. 

Frustrated with the defeat, Ronaldo stormed into the tunnel, kicking a cluster of water bottles on his way, rubbing off his captain’s band, as his teammates tried to calm him down. 

“Disappointed with the result, but we stay focused on our season and the games ahead. Thank you Al Nassr fans for your support, we know we can count on you!” tweeted Ronaldo.

The home fans at Al-Ittihad had a great time booing Ronaldo and chanting Lionel Messi’s name. However, Ronaldo was unfazed and smirked at them.

Al-Ittihad also posted a clip of Ronaldo getting tackled, with a caption that read, “Where is Ronaldo?”

Ronaldo had failed to score in his last two games, and the club needs him to regain his scoring mojo in order to win the league. The next game will be against Abha in the King Cup of Champions. Ronaldo is the highest-paid footballer, drawing a yearly salary of $200 million. He has scored eight goals and recorded two assists in seven games, and was adjudged as Player of the Month for February.

Ronaldo fell out of favour with his boyhood club Manchester United and got his contract terminated on mutual consent. Manchester United recently suffered a humiliating 7-0 defeat to Liverpool. 

“Ronaldo’s departure marked a fresh start for United, and it gave ten Hag a blank page to draw upon, which has allowed him to establish a winning mentality at the club,” said Lous Saha, the former United striker.