With every passing day, Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr looks highly uncertain as, according to reports, contract negotiations have been put on hold.
Initially, the 40-year-old forward was keen to sign a two-year contract with the Saudi Pro League club. However, as per Spanish outlet Marca, Ronaldo is reviewing his future with the club, especially after their defeat in the AFC Champions League Elite semifinal against Japanese outfit Kawasaki Frontale.
Ronaldo is desperate to win trophies every season, and unfortunately that Al-Nassr have failed to accomplish this season. Stefano Pioli’s men were confident of winning the AFC Champions League, but they fell short.
Al-Nassr are currently fourth in the Saudi Pro League standings and with only four matches left this season, there’s no chance of Ronaldo winng the league title this season.
They are 11 points adrift of league leaders Al-Ittihad after 30 league games this season. Interestingly, they lost to Al-Ittihad this weekend 3-2 despite Sadio Mane and Ayman Yahya scoring for Pioli’s men.
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With this defeat, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are not on course to qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite next season. The Portuguese icon was visibly frustrated as his team gave away a two-goal lead to a late winner. Following the game, Ronaldo reportedly left the stadium without even changing his kit.
Ronaldo knows he is in the twilight of his career and every season is crucial for him. Since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023, he has only won a single title with Al-Nassr – 2023 Arab Champions Cup.
So the 40-year-old is contemplating his options before pledging his future with the Saudi Arabian outfit for the next two years.
Will Ronaldo return to Sporting CP?
Reports on Fichajes were suggesting that Sporting CP may turn towards Ronaldo as a short-term fix after they allow their in-demand striker Viktor Gyokeres to leave the club this summer.
While it is a dream for the Sporting fans and the team management to have Ronaldo back at his boyhood club, it looks tough from a financial standpoint for now. The 40-year-old would need to make massive wage cuts if he intends to make the move.
The Portuguese forward wants to stay fit and amongst goals for the World Cup next year. He is currently the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 23 goals and is gradually gaining momentum towards his landmark of 1,000 career goals (934 strikes).
Overall, his chance of joining another Saudi Pro League team looks more likely than his return to Sporting this summer.
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