'This should not happen' - Cristiano Ronaldo issues public apology for lengthy delay to Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League kick-off against Al-Wedha

The Saudi Pro League fixture kicked off over an hour later due to traffic issues that saw the Al-Nassr team bus reach the stadium nine minutes past the scheduled start time. Despite the rocky start, the match ended in a solid 2-0 victory for Al-Nassr, with Ronaldo opening the scoring. Not only did the forward score a goal, but he also drew a penalty, which he graciously allowed team-mate Sadio Mane to take as the Senegalese was going through a goal drought.

Acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the delayed kick-off, Ronaldo took responsibility on behalf of the team.

In an interview with SSC Sports, he said: "I want to apologise on behalf of Al Nassr for starting the game late. This should not happen again. Sorry."

Al-Nassr struggled to break down Al-Wehda in the first half but found their rhythm in the second, scoring twice to seal the win. Ronaldo admitted that the team’s performance was not up to their usual standard initially but he was pleased to return to winning ways after a shock loss to Al-Ettifaq.

"It was a tough game. The first half was difficult because we did a journey of three hours on the bus because of traffic and the roads were closed," he said.

"In the second half, we were a little bit better. We fixed our issues and we scored two goals so we are happy. [The comeback][ should be like that. This is Al Nassr, we have to react. We have to continue to win and let's see what's going to happen."

Ronaldo further reiterated the team’s focus on both their domestic league and international aspirations, as Al-Nassr eye a deep run in the AFC Champions League. Al-Nassr are set to face Esteghlal Tehran in the last 16 of the continental competition on Monday, and Ronaldo wants his team-mates to build on the momentum.

"Game-by-game, we have to build again the confidence...We have to do it again we have to win, win, win and let's see what's going to happen," he said.

However, before that they have a domestic fixture against Al-Orobah on Saturday in the Pro League to deal with.