"The Saudi Pro League is in the top 5 leagues globally and will continue developing. We have time, and the past two years have proven that," Ronaldo told Al Nassr's media channel on 28/6. "Those who haven't played in Saudi Arabia don't understand football here and say the league isn't in the world's top 5. I'm 100% confident in what I say, and those playing in this league understand what I mean."
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Ronaldo (right) and Al Nassr President, Abdullah Al-Majed, during the contract extension announcement on 26/6. Photo: Al Nassr |
Ronaldo (right) and Al Nassr President, Abdullah Al-Majed, during the contract extension announcement on 26/6. Photo: Al Nassr
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in football in recent years. The country's national league has been elevated by signing superstars like Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Riyad Mahrez, and Roberto Firmino. Saudi Arabia will host the 2027 Asian Cup and previously wanted to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Egypt and Greece, but was unsuccessful.
In an online meeting last year, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, considered this a historic moment and a dream come true for the country. Saudi Arabian Football Federation President, Yasser Al Misehal, viewed hosting a World Cup as the greatest honor.
Ronaldo supports Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. "This is why I want to stay, because I believe in this project, not just for the next two years but until 2034, when the World Cup is held here. I believe this will be the most beautiful World Cup ever," the Portuguese forward anticipates.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023 on a free transfer, signing a contract until June 2025. In two and a half years in Riyadh, the 40-year-old forward has scored 99 goals and provided 19 assists in 111 matches across all competitions. He has scored 938 career goals and needs 62 more to reach his desired milestone of 1,000.
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Ronaldo (right) celebrates Al Nassr's victory in the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. Photo: Al Nassr |
Ronaldo (right) celebrates Al Nassr's victory in the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. Photo: Al Nassr
On 26/6, Ronaldo extended his contract until 2027 with a record deal worth nearly 700 million USD. In 16 tournaments with Al Nassr, Ronaldo has only won one collective title: the Arab Club Champions Cup, a friendly tournament in August 2023. Therefore, the 40-year-old striker says his goal in staying at Al Nassr is to win major titles. "I believe I will become a champion in Saudi Arabia," he confidently stated.
Ronaldo's future was uncertain before signing the new contract with Al Nassr. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that there were discussions for the Portuguese forward to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament for which Al Nassr did not qualify.
However, Ronaldo explained that he wanted to rest rather than participate in the tournament in the US. "I received some invitations to the Club World Cup, but I don't think it's reasonable. I want to rest and prepare well because next season will be very long with the World Cup at the end of the year," the 40-year-old forward explained. "I want to be ready not only for Al Nassr but also for the national team."
Hong Duy (According to ESPN)
