A stunning claim has been made that Al Nassr's blockbuster signing of Cristiano Ronaldo was something of a revenge plot against their bitter rivals.
Ronaldo's big move to Saudi Arabia has made headlines all over the world, largely due to the lucrative contract worth a reported £173 million (R3.6 billion) a year he signed.
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Many initially wondered if the 37-year-old's move to the Middle East would tarnish his legacy in Europe and among the greatest footballers of all time, but the five-time Ballon d'Or winner dismissed those suggestions at his Al Nassr unveiling, saying he had achieved everything available to him in Europe and that it was now time for a new chapter.
It has now emerged, however, that there may have been more to the transfer than initially thought, with a report by The Athletic claiming that Al Nassr's acquisition of Ronaldo was part of a revenge scheme against their fierce competition Al Hilal.
It is said the latter made the first move to sign the striker earlier this year, and were confident they were an attractive proposition as they are considered to be Saudi Arabia's biggest and most successful team.
Having won the Saudi Pro League title in the past three campaigns and the Asian Champions League last season, Al Hilal were thought to be the more obvious destination for the Real Madrid legend.
However, the reigning Saudi champions were hit with a transfer ban after midfielder Mohamed Kanno signed an extension with them despite signing a contract to play for Al Nassr.
While Al Hilal retained the player's services, they were unable to have the sanction overturned, seeing them pull out of the race to sign Ronaldo, a situation Al Nassr took full advantage of.
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Per The Athletic, Ronaldo's signing is considered the ultimate revenge on Al Hilal for Al Nassr, who, with the Portugal superstar in their ranks, will now aim to stop the former from claiming a fourth consecutive league title.
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