With more stars on their way Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr must improve next season

Cristiano Ronaldo departed Al Nassr’s encounter at Al Ettifaq before his team’s fate was officially sealed, but by then the race was as good as run.

Nassr were being held to a 1-1 draw in Damman on Saturday night, but to the west, Al Ittihad were cruising. Needing one victory from their remaining two matches to secure the Saudi Pro League title, the division’s frontrunners were 3-0 up at Al Fayha. Allaying fears that last season’s championship collapse could repeat, Ittihad prepared to celebrate a first top-flight crown in 14 years.

Ittihad’s win ended Nassr’s title chances. Ronaldo’s night concluded early, too, the team captain substituted on 84 minutes having picked up an injury. Whether or not the Portuguese forward, 38, recovers in time for the campaign finale on Wednesday, when Nassr host Al Fateh, remains to be seen.

What is certain is that he will finish his debut season in Saudi Arabia without any silverware. And that will no doubt sting.

When Ronaldo’s transfer to Nassr was announced in late December, the club sat second in the table. By the time he was introduced days later to the media and then an expectant, sold-out Mrsool Park, Nassr were perched at the summit.

At his opening press conference, albeit answering questions posed solely by a moderator, Ronaldo did not outline specific targets for the season, saying simply: “I’m coming here to win, to play, to enjoy, to be part of the success of the country and the culture of the country.

“And I’m here altogether with Al Nassr, with my coach, with my president, and all the people of Al Nassr. What I want is to enjoy, to smile, and play football."

Admittedlty, he has not always enjoyed his time on the pitch. Ronaldo has often shown his frustration a little too