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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 massive contract in 2023, but that expires next summer and, like players in Europe, is free to sign an early contract 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 Football Awards, where he again won an individual accolade, Ronaldo admitted he was open to offers, saying: “You never know what can happen in the future.”
Marca report that Ronaldo has no plans 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 has no intention of retiring and will continue to play with breaking records a huge motivation.
There was a lack of offers for the icon when he left Manchester United in nasty circumstances. Ronaldo saw his contract terminated at Old Trafford and, despite his position in the game, no big European outfit were chasing him and he opted to move to the Middle East.
Ronaldo recently passed the 1,000 goal mark and this season he has scored 16 goals in his 19 appearances for the Saudi outfit. It would be surprising if he chose to move to another side in the Middle East and any rival would need to be able to afford his wages, which also limits his options.
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 is ridiculous. Maybe Cristiano will come to Istanbul to eat because it is 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 post-retirement plans, ruling out a stint in the dugout. Instead he has suggested as the possibility of buying a club. “I’m not a coach. I’m never going to be a coach, the president of the club? No. Maybe the owner of the club,” he said.
