Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho has reportedly made contact with legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo to discuss a possible move for the Al-Nassr star next year.
The 39-year-old's contract with Al-Nassr is due to expire in the middle of 2025, but he has no plans to retire, with the attacker expected to represent Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo has scored an incredible 911 career goals, including 11 in 16 appearances at club level during the 2024-25 campaign, while he managed five goals in four appearances for Portugal in the group stage of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League.
The forward said earlier this month that he would likely retire "in one or two years".
"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.
"When I decide to leave the national team, I'll do it spontaneously but thoughtfully. There won't be any advance announcements. I don't see myself managing a team; that's not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens."
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Ronaldo 'contacted by Mourinho' to discuss Fenerbahce move
According to Fotomac, Mourinho recently had a conversation with Ronaldo to discuss the forward's future, with the experienced manager asking his fellow Portuguese about his plans.
"Are you happy there? It's being rumoured that you want to leave. If you go, would you like to come to Fenerbahce?" Mourinho is alleged to have asked Ronaldo during a telephone conversation.
Ronaldo played under Mourinho at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, and the forward is believed to be open to making the move to Istanbul despite previously saying that Al-Nassr would likely be his final club.
"Probably I will retire here at Al-Nassr," Ronaldo recently told NOW. "I'm very happy at this club, I feel good in this country too. I'm happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue."
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Is a move to Fenerbahce realistic?
Fenerbahce's sporting director Mario Branco has allegedly already opened talks with Al-Nassr over a move, with Ronaldo thought to be a target for the Turkish giants as early as January.
However, the club might have to wait until the end of the season to sign Ronaldo, when he could be available on a free transfer.
Al-Nassr are widely expected to offer the forward a new contract, though, and he would have to be prepared to take a significant wage drop in order to make the move to the Yellow Canaries.
Ronaldo has famously played for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus in European football, but he has continued to find the back of the net at an incredible rate for Al-Nassr, scoring 69 times in 80 appearances for the Saudi Pro League outfit.
Matt Law
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