Cristiano Ronaldo sends 'ready' warning to Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League quarter-final opponents Al Ain after serving Saudi Pro League suspension for controversial response to Lionel Messi taunts

Posted Monday, March 04, 2024 by Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent out a warning to Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League quarter-final opponents Al Ain as he prepares to return from suspension.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo was hit with one match ban and a fine of 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) as punishment for aiming an obscene gesture at Al-Shabab fans on February 25. Al-Nassr won the game 3-2, but the result was overshadowed by Ronaldo's controversial response to Lionel Messi chants from the crowd, and he was suspended for their subsequent clash with Al-Hazm on Thursday.

WHAT RONALDO SAID
Ronaldo sent an ominous message to Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League opponents on Instagram which suggests he is raring to get back on the pitch and add to his haul of 34 goals across all competitions in 2023-24. "Ready for tomorrow 💪" the former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker wrote.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Al-Nassr could only manage a 4-4 draw against Al-Hazm in Ronaldo's absence, which leaves them nine points behind leaders Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League title race. Ronaldo was, however, pictured in the stands at Al-Awwal Park, and looked visibly emotional when the home crowd sang his name during the match, having made a new home for himself in Riyadh since his surprise free transfer to Al-Nassr in January 2023.

WHAT NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?
Ronaldo and Al-Nassr will hope to establish a first leg advantage when they take on UAE giants Al Ain on Monday, with the return fixture scheduled to take place on March 11. Luis Castro's side have a league clash with Al-Raed to attend to in between those continental games as they bid to close the gap on Al-Hilal.