Decision made on Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr future amid Club World Cup claims
A decision has reportedly been made on the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, 40, is out of contract at Al Nassr on June 30, but he insinuated that he could leave the club after their 3-2 defeat against Al Fateh during the final Saudi Pro League game of the season.
Ronaldo posted a photograph of himself accompanied by the caption: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all."
This came just days after FIFA president Gianni Infantino suggested that he could still feature during this summer’s Club World Cup despite Al Nassr not taking part in the competition.
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"Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup," Infantino said last week.
"There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup... who knows, who knows?"
The Portuguese has been linked with potential moves to the MLS, Brazil and even a return to his boyhood club Sporting.
On Friday afternoon (May 30), journalist Santi Aouna issued an update on the player’s future via X.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Al-Nassr,” he wrote.
“Full agreement in place between the parties
“Saudi sources told us he HAS already signed his new contract with Al-Nassr.”
Despite his age and Al Nassr’s lack of success, there’s no doubting the positive impact Ronaldo has had on the club and Saudi Arabian football in general.
The 40-year-old finished top of the league’s goal scorer chart with 25 strikes, three more than England and Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney.
But there's no escaping the fact that Ronaldo is not the player he once was. So, when could he hang up his boots?
Well, Ronaldo has provided various stances on the topic of retirement throughout his career and gave an update when he spoke to Portuguese TV channel Now in 2024.
"I don't know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire here at Al Nassr," Ronaldo 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."
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Pro League, Football, Transfer News, MLS, Sporting Lisbon, Saudi Arabia, Gianni Infantino
Luke Davies