Cristiano Ronaldo controversy as former Man Utd star 'risks breach of huge contract'
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently playing for Al-Nassr
PA
Cristiano Ronaldo has risked a breach of his Nike contract after appearing to wear Adidas equipment during Al Nassr's 5-0 defeat to Celta Vigo on Monday.
The former Manchester United star played the first 45 minutes before watching the second half from the stands.
During the showdown, Ronaldo appeared to be sporting Adidas XI Pro shin pads.
And that's despite the veteran being under contract with Nike, who have worked with the footballer ever since 2003.
Cristiano Ronaldo left Man Utd for Al-Nassr last year
PA
Ronaldo is currently on a huge £147million, 10-year deal with the manufacturing giants - with that contract making him one of the best-paid players on the planet.
The 38-year-old usually sports personalised shin pads but, for the match with Celta Vigo, broke rank.
Al-Nassr even announced earlier this month that Nike would be their new kit manufacturer, replacing Duneus.
They previously made kits for the Saudi Arabian club between 1997 and 2001, as well as 2010 and 2012.
Whether Ronaldo is penalised for this minor misdemeanour remains to be seen.
As the face of the brand, it's hard to see them coming down too strong on him and it's possible the five-time Champions League winner will escape without any action.
Al-Nassr were top of the Saudi Pro League when Ronaldo joined at the tail end of last year, shortly after leaving United behind.
He had returned to Old Trafford in 2021 hopeful of firing the Red Devils to a first Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.
But while Ronaldo produced some memorable moments, his second spell at United failed to live up to expectations.
He was left disgruntled by Erik ten Hag's decision to marginalise him last season.
Ronaldo accused the 53-year-old of a 'lack of respect' during a bombshell interview that signalled an end to his time at the club.
And he also took aim at the Glazers, United's polarising owners who have been in charge ever since their takeover in 2005.
Ronaldo will be hoping to win his first league title with Al-Nassr next season, having missed out on the prize to Al-Ittihad last term. The champions have since strengthened with deals for Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante, who have joined from Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively.
Al-Nassr themselves have brought Marcelo Brozovic in from Inter Milan, while Ronaldo's former United team-mate Alex Telles is poised to follow.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo recently insisted the Saudi league was better than the MLS following Lionel Messi's decision to join Inter Miami.
"I think the Saudi league is much better than the United States," he said.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has been sponsored by Nike ever since 2003
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A host of players are following in Ronaldo's footsteps by moving to Saudi.
And when asked if he was behind the sudden movement, he said: "100 per cent. It's a fact.
"I opened the way to the Saudi league, and now all the players are coming here.
"In one year, more and more top players will come to Saudi.
"In a year the Saudi league will overtake the Turkish league and Dutch league."
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