After skipping his team's last match to protest the management of his club, Al-Nassr, by the public investment fund, Cristiano Ronaldo resumed training on Wednesday and is expected to return to competition on Friday.

Is the picket line finally lifted? Cristiano Ronaldo, who turns 41 this Thursday, resumed training on Wednesday, as he revealed on his X account with a photo in his kit and two emojis in Al-Nassr's colors. On Monday, the Portuguese star refused to play in the league match won against Al Riyadh (1-0) in protest against the management of his club's transfers by the PIF, Saudi Arabia's public investment fund which also manages other clubs, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad.

Expected for the clash against Al-Ittihad on Friday

He was reportedly very unhappy with Karim Benzema's transfer to Al-Hilal, the current league leaders with a one-point advantage over Al-Nassr. He believes his team isn't receiving the same level of financial support, having only signed the young Iraqi midfielder, Hayder Abdulkareem, during this transfer window. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had hoped for a more ambitious recruitment drive to win the Saudi league title for the first time in his career. He then went on strike, leaving his future in the Saudi Pro League uncertain with 18 months remaining on his contract.

It's still unclear whether his strike has ended, but his presence is highly anticipated on Friday for the clash against Al-Ittihad, a match that could see Al-Nassr reclaim the top spot in the league. Club officials hope the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player has made his point and will return to competition. They reportedly don't understand the reasons for his discontent, despite his astronomical salary of €200 million per season. They are therefore waiting for him to resume play as soon as possible, which he is obligated to do, barring injury.

The source of his anger regarding Benzema's transfer to Al-Hilal was somewhat irrelevant, as the move wasn't financed by the PIF (Public Investment Fund), but by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a billionaire Saudi investor, Sky Sports points out. While the PIF remains influential, nothing prevents teams from strengthening their squads through private investment.

Al-Nassr's inactivity in January was due to the €115 million already invested this season in several stars such as Kingsley Coman, Joao Feix, and Mohamed Simakan. Sky Sports notes that the league's financial regulations and funding through the Centre of Excellence for Player Acquisition are designed to maintain the integrity, sustainability, and competitiveness of the league and its clubs.