Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at a possible retirement at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr amid speculations linking him with a return to Europe.
The 39-year-old Portuguese forward said Al-Nassr might be his last professional club, adding that he feels happy and comfortable at his current club and may end his career with the Saudi side.
“I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire here at Al Nassr,” Ronaldo told Portuguese channel 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.”
Ahead of next week’s international break, where Portugal will face Croatia and Scotland in the UEFA Nations League, Ronaldo said he hopes to continue playing for the 2016 European champions, reiterating his availability for selection.
“When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought-out one,” Ronaldo added.
“Right now, what I want is to be able to help the national team in their upcoming matches.
“We have the Nations League ahead of us and I would really like to play.”
Ronaldo, who is just two goals away from 900 career goals, has enjoyed immense success over the years with about 33 senior trophies in his career.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid man also downplayed any talks of going to management when he eventually retires from professional football.
“At the moment, I’m not thinking about being a coach of the first team or any team,” he said.
“It doesn’t even cross my mind; I’ve never thought about it. I don’t see my future going through that. I see myself doing other things outside of football, but only God knows what the future holds.”
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 after a dispute with United, which led to the Manchester club terminating his contract. Since his move to Saudi Arabia, the Portugal international has scored 67 goals and provided 16 assists in 72 matches.
