The Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has renewed his contract with Al Nassr, and has expressed his firm belief in the growth and competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League.
In an official announcement, the Saudi club confirmed the contract extension for two years, which will keep Ronaldo on the team until after he turns 42.
“I believe that right now we are among the top five leagues in the world. I still believe that we will continue to improve, and we have time and have shown in the last two years that the league is constantly on the rise,” Ronaldo declared in a video published by Al Nassr.
Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo also emphasized his satisfaction with the growing competitiveness of the league, pointing out that those who have not played in Saudi Arabia are the ones who underestimate its level.
The Portuguese forward also showed his support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
“That’s why I want to stay, because I believe in the project, not just for the next two years, but until 2034, which will be the World Cup in Saudi Arabia. I also believe it will be the most beautiful [World Cup] in history,” said the player.Cristian Ronaldo ha respaldado la Saudi Pro League y la candidatura de Arabia Saudita para la Copa del Mundo 2034. Mohammed Saad/Anadolu vía Getty ImagesThe Portugal captain added that his goal in staying at Al Nassr is to win a major title with the Riyadh team, something he has yet to achieve since his arrival at the end of 2022.
“My goal is always to win something important for Al Nassr. And of course, I still believe in that. That’s why I renewed for two more years, because I believe I will be champion in Saudi Arabia”, added Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Since joining Al Nassr, following his time at Manchester United, Ronaldo has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances across all competitions.
Furthermore, Ronaldo aims to reach 1,000 goals in his career. Currently, he has scored 794 goals for clubs and 138 for the Portuguese national team, bringing his total to 932.
Before signing his new contract, speculation intensified about the 40-year-old player’s plans last month, when FIFA President Gianni Infantino mentioned talks about Ronaldo’s participation in the Club World Cup, despite Al Nassr not qualifying.
However, Ronaldo preferred to rest instead of playing in the renewed tournament in the United States.
“I had some offers to play in the World Cup, but I think it didn’t make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will be very long, as it is the World Cup season at the end of the year,” he said.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo scored for Portugal in the Nations League final against Spain earlier this month, a match that ended 2-2 and that Portugal won on penalties.
