RIYADH - Cristiano Ronaldo seemed to be in better spirits following his goal and Al-Nassr's 4-0 victory over Al-Raed, following weeks of disappointing performances and tension at the Saudi club.

Cristiano Ronaldo ended a goal drought after scoring for the first time in four games for Saudi club Al-Nassr in a domestic top-flight match on Friday.

The Portuguese superstar scored the opening goal in a 4-0 victory over Al-Raed.

Al-Nassr are now second in the Saudi Pro League table, three points behind rivals Al-Ittihad.

Ronaldo’s goal and the celebrations that followed brought a welcome change for the club and player, who have suffered a spell of avoidable losses.

The club sacked coach Rudi Garcia earlier this month following reports of tensions between manager and players. Ronaldo had also reportedly spoken with the club’s top bosses over his dissatisfaction with Garcia's performance soon before his dismissal.

The Al-Nassr forward, who signed with the Riyadh-based club in January for an estimated €200 million deal, found himself in hot water last week after appearing to grab his groin in a gesture towards fans of the Al-Hilal team.

The gesture sparked criticism in Saudi Arabia, with some even calling for him to be deported.

Ronaldo's apparent frustration has sparked rumours that the Madeira-born player will make a return to his former club Real Madrid.

Catalan-language news site El Nacional said earlier this week that Ronaldo is eyeing a move back to the Spanish capital after "struggling to adapt" to Saudi culture and a new language.

Ronaldo enjoyed a lengthy and successful stint with Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018, when they won two La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.