MX23RW : Thursday, January 30 21:18:53| >> :120:11321:11321:

Cristiano Ronaldo 'to return to Europe before retiring'

Cristiano Ronaldo 'to return to Europe before retiring'
© Reuters
Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia claims that Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Europe before retiring from football.

Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Europe before retiring from football.

Ronaldo's Manchester United contract was terminated in November following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, where he criticised various aspects of the club, including manager Erik ten Hag.

The Portugal international was believed to be keen to join a European club in a bid to play Champions League football.

However, following an underwhelming 2022 World Cup where he scored one goal in five appearances, he decided to join Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr on a free transfer.

The 37-year-old put pen to paper on a lucrative deal until June 2025, which is allegedly worth up to £177m a year.

Saudi Pro League XI's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal on January 19, 2023© Reuters

Despite scoring a brace for a Saudi All-Star XI in a 4-3 friendly defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, Ronaldo has been unable to find the net in his two appearances for Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo's competitive debut for the club resulted in a 1-0 league victory over Ettifaq, but his second match ended in a 3-1 defeat.

The loss took place against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals, and after the game, the Al-Nassr manager suggested that Ronaldo would finish his career in Europe.

According to Sport, Garcia said: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a positive addition as he helps disperse defenders.

"He's [Ronaldo] one of the best players in the world. He won't finish his career at Al-Nassr, he'll go back to Europe."

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo pictured on January 3, 2022© Reuters

Ronaldo has previously competed in four European countries, playing for Sporting Lisbon, Man United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner won multiple trophies throughout his career in Europe, including league titles in England, Spain and Italy.

Ronaldo will be aiming to score his first goal for Al-Nassr when he features in Friday's away league meeting with Al-Fateh.

Al-Nassr currently have a slender one-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League table after collecting 33 points from 14 matches.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo pictured during a training session on January 3, 2023
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Al-HilalAl-Hilal17141253173643
2Al Ittihad17141240142643
3Al-Nassr18115237172038
4Al Quadisiya17121426121437
5Al-AhliAl-Ahli18112532151735
6Al ShababAl Shabab179262518729
7Al Riyadh188462125-428
8Al Khaleej178272423126
9Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun176561816223
10Damac176382529-421
11Al Kholood175482129-819
12Al Ettifaq175481927-819
13Al Okhdood1743102126-515
14Al Fayha173681427-1315
15Al RaedAl Raed1842122132-1114
16Al Orubah1842121137-2614
17Al WahdaAl Wahda1834112242-2013
18Al Fateh1723121539-249


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