Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that he is planning to extend his stay at Al-Nassr beyond the end of the current season.
The Portugal captain has scored 74 goals and registered 18 assists in 83 appearances for Al-Nassr since arriving on a free transfer, but his contract with the Saudi Pro League side is due to expire at the end of June.
The 39-year-old has again been in strong form this season, scoring 16 goals and registering three assists in 19 appearances, including 10 goals and two assists in 12 outings in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr are down in fourth spot in the Saudi Pro League table, though, 11 points behind the leaders Al-Ittihad, so the legendary forward's search for a league title in Saudi Arabia is set to continue.
Ronaldo has been linked with a return to Europe, as he is expected to play for at least one more campaign before representing Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, but the attacker has suggested that he wants to pen a new deal at Al-Nassr.
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Ronaldo hints at Al-Nassr stay
"I'm happy and my family is happy. We started a new life in this beautiful country. Life is good, football is good. In terms of individual and collective, we are still there; we are still improving," Ronaldo told the league's in-house media channel.
"For me, it is an honour that the league is growing and many star players are coming to make the league even better and more competitive. To be the first one -- let's say a star -- to come here is an honour, but what I'm looking forward to is the next five to 10 years of the league still improving. Not only the first teams, but also the academies.
"Not just for the future of the Saudi [players] and the league, but for the country and to compete with other leagues, this is my dream. And this is what I will try to help the country and league reach and be there at that level. People look at Cristiano as an example, not just on the pitch, but also off it.
"You know, when you win titles, things come easier, and to have the privilege to win in my first year here my first trophy was amazing. But I want more. I will continue to push and help my team Al Nassr to win titles. I believe that this year will be a good year for Al Nassr.
"It's hard to compete with teams like Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, but we are still there, still pushing and fighting. Football is like that; you have good moments and bad moments but, for me, the most important thing is to be professional, to push hard, respect the club, respect your contract and believe that things will change -- for Al Nassr to try to win more titles.
"The [AFC] Champions League is something I want to win for the club, but the most important is to keep pushing and be professional."
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When will Ronaldo retire from football?
Ronaldo said that he is planning to retire "in one or two years" when asked about his future in November.
"I just want to enjoy. Plan for the retirement... if it has to happen, in one or two years... I don't know. I'm turning 40 soon... I really want to enjoy, as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don't feel motivated, I will retire," Ronaldo told reporters.
The forward is now on 916 career goals, and he remains a vital player for Portugal despite his advancing years, so he is expected to be involved for his national side at the 2026 World Cup.
Matt Law
