Cristiano Ronaldo says he is focused on turning things around at Al Nasr, seemingly ruling out the prospect of a January shock transport.
Ronaldo, who turns 40 in February, moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after a fairytale return to Manchester United failed, penning a lucrative two-and-a-half-year deal.
That deal, worth a rumored £177m, is set to expire this summer, prompting speculation that the highest scorer in the history of men’s international football could be eyeing a return to Europe.
Contending Premier League champions indeed Manchester City – United’s bitter rivals – have been touted as a shock landing point for Ronaldo, as are Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain – although this link has it has since been downgraded.
But it appears that Ronaldo, who continues to be the light in a struggling Al Nasr side, intends to honor the contract he signed in January 2023, with his focus firmly on helping the PIF-backed club turn around the results.
Ronaldo said Saudi Pro League media channels: “I am happy and my family is happy. We have started a new life in this beautiful country. Life is good, football is good. Individually and collectively, we are still there. We are still improving.
“It is difficult to compete with teams like Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, but we are still there, we are still pushing and fighting. Football is like that, you have good times and bad times. But, for me, the most important thing is to be professional, to push hard, respect the club, respect your contract and believe that things will change – for Al Nasr to try to win more titles.
He added: “The Champions League (AFC) is something I want to win for the club. But the most important thing is to keep pushing and be professional.”
Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of them top soccer players of all time after an amazing 21-year career that has seen him win five Ballon d’Ors, the European Championship with Portugal, multiple Champions League crowns with Real Madrid and Manchester Unitedand many other individual and team awards.
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2025-01-05 14:15:00
