Portugal's football federation highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo's Asian Champions League Elite goal for Al Nassr on Monday, despite having suspended the player just two days earlier. The Portugal FA posted a photograph of Ronaldo wearing the national team jersey on social media with the message: "Ronaldo scores again for Al Nassr."
Ronaldo, 41, started in Monday's game against Neftchi Fergana and scored his 981st career goal to help Al Nassr win 3-1. The veteran forward wrote on Instagram after the match: "Important win tonight. We keep building."
The appearance was his second game for Al Nassr since his controversial exit from the national team during the international window. Ronaldo left the Portugal camp following a dispute with new coach Jorge Jesus over his lack of playing time in the Nations League. He later apologised to his teammates and said in a statement that he would accept whatever punishment was imposed by the FPF, adding that he still wanted to play for Portugal.
No final punishment has been announced by the FPF. Details of the disciplinary proceedings will remain confidential until the investigation has concluded.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing