A year ago
Cristiano Ronaldo has downplayed rumors that he may depart Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia this summer.
By mutual consent, the forward left Manchester United in November 2022 after harshly criticizing the team in an interview with Piers Morgan.
But just as in the summer of 2022, Ronaldo was unable to find a suitor in Europe and was forced to travel to the Middle East.
He joined Al Nassr, who were leading the Saudi Pro League standings when he arrived. They lost control of the title race, however, as a result of a decline in performance throughout the spring. Al Ittihad, under by former Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, took first place.
With their careers coming to an end, top football players are starting to flock to Saudi Arabia. While Ronaldo's former teammate Karim Benzema was on the verge of joining Al Ittihad, but has since changed his mind and will remain at Real Madrid, 90min understands that Lionel Messi has an offer on the table from Al Hilal.
In a statement to the SPL, Ronaldo reaffirmed his dedication to Al Nassr and complimented the expansion of the league.
"The league is excellent. But I believe we still have a ton of room to expand," he remarked. The league is very competitive. Although our teams and Arab players are excellent, the infrastructure still needs some work.
"The VAR system should be a little bit speedier, even for the refs. I believe they still need to make some minor improvements.
"However, I'm content here, I want to stay here, and I'll stay here. And if they keep up the good work they're doing here for the next five years, in my opinion, the Saudi league can rank among the top five leagues in the world.
"Big players and big names, young players, 'old players,' they are all very welcome if they come because that will help the league get a little better,"
"I think everything is doable if you believe and think it is your aim, however sometimes it takes time. Although we fell short of my expectations this year, I am very optimistic and convinced that things will turn around for the better the following year. So let's hold it to be true and work toward it.
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