Cristiano Ronaldo has cast doubt over his future in Saudi Arabia beyond this summer with his Al-Nassr contract expiring in the summer and the forward seemingly keeping his options open
Cristiano Ronaldo has cast doubt over his future in Saudi Arabia beyond this summer with his Al-Nassr contract expiring in the summer and the forward seemingly keeping his options open Cristiano Ronaldo has cast doubt over his future in Saudi Arabia beyond this summer with his Al-Nassr contract expiring in the summer and the forward seemingly keeping his options open
Cristiano Ronaldo is open to leaving Al-Nassr when his contract expires – opening the door to a blockbuster move.
Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr and penned a mammoth deal in 2023, but that expires next summer and, like players in Europe, he is free to sign an early agreement from January. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had claimed his time in Europe was over when he first moved to Saudi Arabia.
He spoke of his desire to leave a legacy in the Middle East and help grow the game with huge money being thrown at improving the domestic scene. Ronaldo remains the biggest name in the Saudi Pro League but has cast doubt over his long-term future.
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, where he again scooped individual accolades, Ronaldo admitted he was open to offers, as he said: “You never know what can happen in the future.”
Marca reports that Ronaldo is not actively looking to leave Saudi Arabia and remains determined to eventually deliver a title to Al-Nassr. However if the right offer comes along, then he will be open to it. The veteran frontman has no intentions of retiring and will continue playing with breaking records a huge motivation.
There were a lack of offers for the icon when he did leave Manchester United in acrimonious circumstances. Ronaldo saw his contract terminated at Old Trafford and, despite his standing in the game, no major European outfit actively chased him and he chose to move to the Middle East.
Ronaldo recently passed the 1,000-goal mark and this season he’s notched 16 goals in his 19 appearances for the Saudi outfit. It would be a surprise if he chose to move to another side in the Middle East and any suitor would need to be able to afford his wages, which also limits his options.
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Fenerbahce had been credited with interest but Jose Mourinho, who managed Ronaldo at Real Madrid, laughed off the prospect of a move to Turkey. He said: “News about Cristiano Ronaldo to Fenerbahce are ridiculous. Cristiano might come to Istanbul to eat because it’s right in the middle of the road between Saudi and Portugal.”
The 39-year-old will turn 40 in February and has spoken about his plans post-retirement, ruling out a spell in the dugout. Instead he has has hinted as the possibility of purchasing a club. “I’m not a coach. I’m never going to be a coach, president of the club? No. Maybe owner of the club,” he said.
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