Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his retirement plans to his supporters, stating that Al-Nassr will likely be the final club of his career.
Speaking in an interview with Portuguese outlet NOW, the 39-year-old has dropped a hint that he is not considering retiring soon despite his contract with the Saudi club expiring at the end of the season.
His future has been surrounded by uncertainty following his tough Euro 2024 campaign with Portugal, and given that he will turn 40 in February.
Ronaldo previously stated that the summer’s tournament would be his final Euros, though he could still look to represent his country at the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking on his future plans, he said: ‘I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years… but probably I will retire here at Al Nassr.’
‘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.’ he added.
Ronaldo joined the Saudi side in January 2023, with a deal worth a reported £175-million-year, following his Manchester United departure.
Although some fans view his move to Saudi Arabia as a football pension, he scored 61 goals in 67 appearances while providing 16 assists to his teammates.
Despite his advanced age, Ronaldo – who made his international debut in August 2003 – was a regular starter for Portugal as he failed to score a single goal in five Euro 2024 matches.
The team’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, previously revealed no decision had been made regarding the striker’s international future after their tournament knockout.
Asked when it would be time to hang up his international boots, Ronaldo said: ‘When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance.
‘It will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought-out one.
‘At the moment, I’m not thinking about being a coach of the first-team or any team.
‘It doesn’t even cross my mind, I’ve never thought about it. I don’t see my future going through that.
The update comes a month after Ronaldo led the tributes to his former Real Madrid and Portugal teammate Pepe after the centre back announced his retirement.
Following the Euro 2024 knockout, Pepe was seen in tears, with Ronaldo consoling him after the final whistle.
If Ronaldo continues to compete, fans may have the opportunity to witness the striker, aged 41, at the World Cup 2026.
Early reports suggested the Portuguese expressed his desire to renew his contract with Al-Nassr until 2027.
Source:www.dailymail.co.uk