Ronaldo's Saudi Arabia Adventure Continues: Superstar Reveals Two More Years in the Desert
Ronaldo deterministically lays out his athletic plans ahead
Looks like Cristiano Ronaldo ain't shufflin' off that desert oasis just yet! After hinting at his departure from Al-Nassr, the footballing legend has decided to stick around for another two years. Fancy that!
Ronaldo, who's 40 but plays like he's 30, has extended his contract with Al-Nassr, keeping him in Saudi Arabia's flashy league until 2027. Just a few weeks back, the man himself dropped a cryptic post, "This chapter is over. The story? It will continue to be written," sparking numerous exit rumors. But then came the shocker, "A new chapter begins. The same passion, the same dream. Let’s write history together," Al-Nassr announced.
Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino swirled the rumor mill before the Club World Cup, suggesting Ronaldo might still make an appearance at the extravaganza Al-Nassr ain't qualified for.
Ronaldo dug up his reasons, "There have been talks and offers," the man said before the Nations League final against Spain. And later, after Spain took home the title, he confirmed his commitment, "Al-Nassr, yes," he told Portuguese sports newspaper "Ojogo."
Tears Fall for German Defender as EM Drama Erupts
On a different pitch, Al-Nassr bid adieu to their coach, Stefano Pioli. The club kept it short and sweet: "Mr. Pioli and his team will no longer train the first team." Pioli took over the reins in September of last year, wrapping up his first season with Al-Nassr in third place.
Ronaldo, the glory router for Portugal, joined Al-Nassr from Manchester United in January 2023, reportedly collectin' a tasty annual salary of 200 million euros. While he's bagged 93 goals in 105 competitive games for the club and snatched the top scorer title in the Saudi Pro League last season with an impressive 25 goals, the man's waitin' for his first title.
Ronaldo's got no plans to hang 'em up just yet. "I still got it. I can still move, still score, still jump," the man said. As for when he'll take off, "On the day when I can't do it anymore, I'll be catchin' my flight," he added.
Source: ntv.de, ter
Bonus Facts:
- Ronaldo, with 932 career goals to date, is nearly halfway to the 1,000-goal milestone. A comfy two-year deal puts him in a prime position to net that record.
- Al-Nassr's global star status has seen an influx of other leading players into Saudi Arabia's football scene. League insiders view Ronaldo as instrumental in attracting talent and developing local talent.
- Despite not clinching the league, Ronaldo's form remains strong—93 goals in 105 games, boasts the man! The stability of a long-term contract keeps him in top form in a secure environment.
I'm not going to be able to do this football for two more years, just as Ronaldo has revealed his extension with Al-Nassr, keeping him in Saudi Arabia's flashy league until 2027. Despite the strong form he's shown so far, scoring 93 goals in 105 competitive games and leading the club to the top scorer title in the Saudi Pro League last season, Ronaldo is yet to win his first title with the team.
