Far from the limelight of the Champions League final, Portugal star man Cristiano Ronaldo had another remarkable season in the Middle East as he broke records left, right and center. Playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) Ronaldo was at his fluent best with yet another Golden Boot to his name. However, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2025, questions have been asked about the future of the legendary player, on whether he will continue in Saudi Arabia or look for a new challenge.
Al-Nassr CEO wants Ronaldo to stay
However, those claims were shut down by Al-Nassr CEO Guido Fienga who stated that Ronaldo’s “blood turned yellow” which has temporarily put an end to his future talks. Ronaldo scored 35 goals in SPL to win the Golden Boot but could only manage to help his side finish second in the league.
ALSO READ: Portugal match schedule 2024: Cristiano Ronaldo next games ahead of Euro 2024
Al-Nassr CEO Fienga told reporters when quizzed on the future of CR7: “Cristiano Ronaldo’s blood turned yellow. Of course, he will continue at Al-Nassr next season.”
Now 39, the Portugal playmaker still retains a passion for the game and was seen in tears on Saturday (May 31) when his Al-Nassr side lost to Al-Hilal in the Kings Cup final. But considering Al-Hilal’s season there was no shame for the forward to go down as he lost to a better side. In fact, Al-Hilal had one of the greatest league seasons of any club on the planet as they won 31 of the 34 matches and drew the other three to drop just six points in the entire season.
What next for Ronaldo?
While finishing runners-up is not in Ronaldo’s DNA, he will likely stay at the club with very few teams now interested in investing in a player who could offer very little in coming years. As things stand, he will be free to discuss his future after January when he enters the final six months of his contract.
For now, though, Ronaldo’s eyes will be on the Euro 2024 where he will lead his Portugal side in Germany. He will be bidding for his second European Championship having won the title in 2016 in France. He also won the 2019 Nations League and will be eager to add another title to his already impressive trophy cabinet.
Ronaldo’s next competitive match will be at the Euro when his side takes on the Czech Republic on June 19.
ALSO READ: Euro 2024: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to record-extending sixth tournament appearance