Updated on: October 16, 2024 1:44 am GMT
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s most celebrated footballers, is currently enjoying his time at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, a decision he made just under a year ago. Despite being in the final year of his stunning contract, the 39-year-old Portuguese star recently shared that he is genuinely happy with his life in the Middle East.
Ronaldo’s Connection to Scolari
Luiz Felipe Scolari, the former manager of Portugal, has spoken about a recent conversation he had with Ronaldo. Scolari managed Ronaldo during a formative period from 2003 to 2008. Under Scolari, Ronaldo scored 21 goals and provided 16 assists for the national team. The duo even reached the finals of the 2004 UEFA European Championship. Reflecting on their connection, Scolari stated, ”I felt happy when Cristiano Ronaldo told me: ‘I am very happy to be here in Al Nassr and I live well here.’ This is what I was waiting to hear from my son who has worked with me for many years.”
Life at Al-Nassr
Ronaldo has made a significant impact since joining Al-Nassr on a free transfer after departing Manchester United in January 2023. So far, he has netted an impressive 64 goals and provided 17 assists in just 71 matches. With six goals and two assists in the current season, he continues to demonstrate his exceptional skills on the pitch.
Amid discussions about extending his contract, which currently runs until June 2025, Ronaldo has hinted that this might be his last professional deal. He expressed, “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.” This sentiment assures fans that he is content and motivated for the remainder of his career.
Retirement Thoughts
As speculation rises regarding his retirement, Ronaldo has shared his views on potential future plans. While he doesn’t plan to step into coaching, he is open about the possibility of retiring in the next two to three years. “I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years… but probably I will retire here at Al-Nassr,” he noted in a recent interview.
Ronaldo also dismissed the idea of coaching, stating, “At the moment, I’m not thinking about being a coach of the first team or any team… I see myself doing other things outside of football.” Such statements reveal his desire to move on to new challenges, whether in or out of sports.
Why Ronaldo Remains Loved
Ronaldo’s achievements and skill have made him a household name, attracting millions of fans worldwide. He has achieved numerous records, including being the first individual to surpass one billion followers on social media. His retirement will undoubtedly leave a mark on the sport, as he has been a significant figure in football history.
As the clock ticks on his career, Ronaldo remains an inspiration to many young players aspiring to reach the heights he has. Comments from fellow athletes, including Lewis Hamilton, underline the respect and admiration Ronaldo commands across all sports.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Ronaldo continues to shine at Al-Nassr, discussions around his future in football are ongoing. Fans eagerly await his decisions regarding his career while celebrating his current contributions to the team. The football world holds its breath to see what comes next for a player whose legacy is cemented in history.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey in football shows us how much passion and hard work athletes put into their games. Right now, he seems happy playing for Al-Nassr, and he’s even hinted that he might retire soon. This could mean he’s finishing one part of his career, but his amazing legacy will inspire people for many years. As Ronaldo plays, fans can really enjoy the incredible talent he has always shown.