According to The Telegraph, Benzema reportedly sent a lighthearted message to Ronaldo immediately after completing his move to Al Hilal. The message, however, was said to contain sensitive undertones. Benzema jokingly hinted at receiving a salary increase and having a stronger chance to win another Saudi Pro League title comments that may have seemed harmless under different circumstances, but landed at a particularly tense moment.
Al Hilal’s aggressive spending during the mid-season transfer window reportedly totaled €70.8 million, including the deal involving Benzema. This stark contrast in squad reinforcement is believed to have frustrated Ronaldo, who felt Al Nassr was being treated unfairly. While their rivals strengthened significantly, Al Nassr added only a single young player, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, intensifying Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction.
Ronaldo’s reaction quickly became a talking point after he was absent from Al Nassr’s first two matches in February, despite the team securing victories in both games. Meanwhile, Benzema made an immediate and emphatic impact at Al Hilal, scoring a hat-trick on his debut. The timing only amplified comparisons between the two former Real Madrid legends.
Although reports stress that Ronaldo’s anger was not directly aimed at Benzema, the situation has nonetheless put their long-standing relationship under strain. As competition for power and silverware in the Saudi Pro League grows increasingly fierce, even historic bonds are being tested.
Notably, Ronaldo is said to have ended his brief standoff and is expected to return to action in the Saudi Pro League this weekend. Al Nassr currently sit second in the table, trailing Al Hilal by just one point, setting the stage for an even more intense rivalry in the weeks ahead.
Sources: Znews
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