Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, La Liga, Spain
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, La Liga, Spain
A new report claims former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will become the next owner of a high-profile club in La Liga, but only if one condition is met in the coming weeks.
The 40-year-old, who hinted last year that he may still have "two or three years left" when it comes to his playing career, also suggested he will “probably” end his career at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
Speaking to Portuguese TV channel Now, he said: "I'm happy at this club. I feel good in this country too. I'm happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue."
Advert
Ronaldo also revealed in the interview that he has no interest in becoming a coach after hanging up his boots, saying it "doesn’t even cross my mind".
That being said, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has previously stated his desire to move into football club ownership. In fact, he wants to own "several" clubs in the future.
“It doesn’t make a lot of sense to be director of a club,” he told Portuguese TV network Canal 11. “If I can be a club owner, why would I be a manager, sporting director or CEO? That is a dream of mine and I am sure I’ll be a club owner."
Now, journalist Julian Redondo has stated in a recent column for Mundo Deportivo that Ronaldo will become the next owner of Valencia, but only if they manage to avoid relegation and stay in La Liga under Carlos Corberan.
A separate report from the Spanish publication added: "He [Redondo] is the first Spanish journalist to openly discuss this without speculation, as news rather than rumour."
Advert
It was previously rumoured that Ronaldo could be supported in his takeover by the Saudi royal family, specifically Prince Mohammed bin Salman, or from a Saudi investment fund, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Valencia were previously one of the big hitters in La Liga. They lifted the Spanish top division title on two occasions in 2001 and 2003, and regularly featured in the top four alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona.
But over the past few years, they have suffered a serious decline following a lack of investment from the club's ownership, which involves Singapore billionaire Peter Lim.
Advert
Lim, however, stated in March that he would not be putting Valencia up for sale in the near future.
It came after a report from radio broadcaster COPE suggested the 71-year-old was seeking €400 million for his majority stake in the team