Cristiano Ronaldo old tricks as star skips Al Nassr win after leaving game early

Cristiano Ronaldo lived up to his old tricks again, only watching the first half of Al-Nassr's game against Al Taee. His side won 2-0 on the evening, although Ronaldo only saw one of the goals remaining at the break.

Ronaldo watched from the VIP box at King Saud University Stadium on a rainy and windy day in Riyadh, pictured alongside new agent Ricardo Regufe. However, the 37-year-old only watched the first 45 minutes of his team's victory, according to .

The former Manchester United star has earned a reputation over the past 12 months for leaving games earlier when he's not on the pitch, and a move to the Middle East doesn't seem to have helped. broke this trend.

Ronaldo came under fire during pre-season at United after he and several team-mates left Old Trafford before the full-time whistle sounded against Rayo Vallecano. Erik ten Hag was quick to criticize the action and it was speculated that the matter was handled behind closed doors.

Although the former Real Madrid star didn't seem to learn his lesson as he left before full time when United faced Tottenham in the Premier League. The early exit saw him suspended by the club.

Ronaldo admitted he regretted leaving the stadium in his hit interview with Piers Morgan, explaining: "Piers, I'll be honest with you, it's something I regret leaving the stadium. Probably, or maybe not, I don't know. It's hard to tell you 100% but let's say I regret it, but in the same way I felt provoked by the coach. Not the right for me, a coach to put me in three minutes in a match.

“Sorry, I'm not that kind of player. I know what I can bring to the teams.”

It remains to be seen if there was a reason Ronaldo left the Al Nassr game early and if the news is causing controversy in Saudi Arabia, or if the five-time Ballon d'Or won't be so strictly treated to his new club. His side moved four points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League with the win, with Brazilian striker Talisca scoring either side of the half.

Ronaldo was unable to play against Al Taee as he is serving a two-match ban after smashing a young Everton fan's phone last year, prompting the FA to act.