Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement plans solidified after Saudi Club move

Cristiano Ronaldo's career at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League may not mark the end of his playing days, hinting at a possible significant transfer.

Cristiano Ronaldo Shares Post Retirement Plans
Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo is not expected to conclude his playing career with Al-Nassr, suggesting the possibility of another significant transfer. The five-time Ballon d’Or recipient swiftly joined the Saudi Pro League after a controversial exit from Manchester United. Ronaldo’s outspoken interview with Piers Morgan, criticizing various aspects of the Red Devils, led to the termination of his contract by mutual consent.

Despite signing a lucrative deal with Al-Nassr, it seems that the Saudi club is not Ronaldo’s final destination in his illustrious career. Upon arriving in the Middle East, Ronaldo expressed to the media that he considered his time in Europe “over” and expressed a desire to conquer another continent, stating, “I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football. I feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia.”

Former Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia, who was in charge at the time of Ronaldo’s signing but was later sacked, insisted that the five-time Champions League winner will return to play for a European side. Garcia stated in January of the previous year, ” Cristiano Ronaldo is a positive addition, as he helps to disperse defenders. He is one of the best players in the world. He will not finish his career at Al-Nassr, he will return to Europe.”

Despite being 38 years old, Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down on the goalscoring front. Ending 2023 as the top goal scorer at club level worldwide, he scored 54 goals in 59 Al-Nassr games. Responding to this achievement on Instagram, Ronaldo addressed those who perceive his career winding down, stating, “54 — I’ll say when it’s finished! Thanks, team.”

Recent interest from Newcastle United, a Premier League side sharing the same owners as Al-Nassr in the Public Investment Fund (PIF), suggests a potential bid to bring the football icon back to the English top flight. In October, Ronaldo discussed his long-term aims, emphasizing a focus on short-term enjoyment, expressing contentment with his current physical condition, and dismissing specific age-related targets.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro

Forwarder, Midfielder

PortugalPortugal

Age: 39

188 cm

83 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 2 1 Missed
Minutes 202 101.0 Avg
Goals 1 0.5 Avg
Assist 0 0.0 Avg
Attempt 8 4.0 Avg
Passes 64 32.075.0% AvgSucc
Yellow 1 0.5 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 18 times for 1616 minutes for Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo  scored 19 goals for Al Nassr. He procured 9 assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.

His team is currently 2nd in Pro League. In the last match Al Nassr won 4-1 against Al Taawon. The next match in Pro League will be against Al Fateh.

Al Nassr performance and stats

Al Nassr

Manager: Luís Ribeiro de Castro
Rank 2nd
Win 23
Draw 2
Loss 4
Goals 84-35
Diff 49

It will be Al Nassr ended the league in the 2nd position with 46 points.

In the last 19 games, it has won 15 times, drawn once, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Al Nassr won 1-4 against Al Taawon.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 55 goals and conceding 23.​

Al Nassr will play the next match in Pro League against Al Fateh on Wednesday 14th of February in Riyadh.​