Cristiano Ronaldo says he is focused on turning things around with Al Nassr, ruling out a shock January. tRANSFER.
Ronaldo, who turns 40 in February, moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after a fairytale return to Manchester United failed, signing a lucrative two-and-a-half-year deal.
That deal, worth a rumored £177million, is due to expire this summer, prompting speculation that the top goalscorer in the history of men's international football could be eyeing a return to Europe.
Indeed, champions of the Premier League war Manchester City – United's bitter rivals – have been announced as a the place of impact landing for Ronaldo, as have Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain – although this connection has since it has been underestimated.
But it appears Ronaldo, who continues to be the shining light in a struggling Al Nassr side, intends to honor the contract he signed in January 2023, with his focus unwavering on helping the PIF-backed side return the results.
Ronaldo said Saudi Pro League media channels: “I am happy and my family is happy. We 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's hard to compete with teams like Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, but we're still there, we're still pushing and fighting. Football is like that; you have good moments and bad moments. But, for me, the most the important thing is to be professional, push hard, respect the club, respect your contract and believe that things will change – for Al Nassr to try to win more titles.
He added: “The (AFC) Champions League 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 the the greatest footballers of all time after an illustrious 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 a host of other individual and team accolades.