'I've decided to assert my rights!' - Al-Hilal in legal battle with left-back Renan Lodi as ex-Atletico Madrid star attempts to terminate his contract

Lodi and Al Hilal part ways in the most unexpected and turbulent manner. The Brazilian full-back, who arrived in Saudi Arabia in January 2024 from Atletico Madrid on a contract valid until 2027, decided to unilaterally terminate the agreement after being excluded from the list of registered players for the Saudi Pro League due to the maximum limit on foreign players imposed by the regulations.  

The main issue arose at the start of the new season. After the summer training camp in Germany,Lodi discovered that he had not been included in the list for the Saudi Pro League. Lodi's only option was to play in the Asian Champions League, a prospect that did not satisfy him at the age of 27.   

The decision has sparked a dispute: the club has announced that it will take "all necessary legal measures", while the player has called for his professional rights to be respected, involving the international sporting authorities. 

Lodi said he tried to talk to the club to get back into their plans, but received no response. This led to his decision to seek legal advice and terminate his contract.

"I cannot be deprived of the right to practise my profession. I have decided to assert my rights like any worker who is prevented from doing their job," he said. The footballer hopes that "the competent authorities will judge my case as soon as possible" so that he can return to playing. 

When interviewed about the matter, coach Simone Inzaghi expressed his regret at the outcome. "I am sad because he did very well for us at the Club World Cup and has always been a great professional," the former Inter boss said.

Lodi's future remains uncertain. The player has already returned to Brazil, but his departure from Al-Hilal has opened up a legal battle that is bound to cause controversy. The issue at stake concerns not only a terminated contract, but also the interpretation of FIFA rules and the rights of a professional who claims the right to pursue his career without restrictions.

Additional reporting by Alessandro De Felice.