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The Saudi Pro League is now home to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez.
Cristiano Ronaldo says the obscene gesture he made during a match that saw him banned for one match in the Saudi Pro League was just a misunderstanding.
Speaking in a news conference, he said: “What I did was a misunderstanding. I will always respect the cultures of all countries, but what people see is not always reality.
“Sometimes the passion of the game leads us to make some mistakes, but everyone makes mistakes. Whenever I make them, I don’t do it on purpose.”
Speaking at the Bloomberg Power Players Summit, she said: “I’m quite sure there will be a Saudi club in the Champions League before long.”
Staveley helped Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund with their purchase of Newcastle, who finished bottom of their Champions League group this season, from Mike Ashley in 2021.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of winning the Saudi Pro League this season took another major blow as Al-Nassr suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Al-Raed.
It is the second consecutive top-flight match in which Al-Nassr have dropped points following the 4-4 draw with Al-Hazm.
The Riyadh-based outfit sit nine points behind league leaders Al-Hilal having played a game more.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be without team-mate Anderson Talisca for the rest of the season after the Brazilian confirmed a serious thigh injury on social media.
Talisca posted on Instagram: “Injury is part of the sport but my determination is even greater!
“The rehabilitation begins now and I promise to come back stronger next season to contribute even more to Al-Nassr’s success.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for one game by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation for his response to Lionel Messi chants by Al-Shabab fans.
He was adjudged to have provoked the supporters during last weekend’s 3-2 win for Al-Nassr after allegedly cupping his ear and repeatedly thrusting his hand forward near his pelvic area.
The SAFF disciplinary and ethics committee say the 39-year-old cannot appeal the decision and has been fined £6,300, part of it as compensation to cover the cost of Al-Shabab’s complaint.