Cristiano Ronaldo makes Al Nassr contract 'request' ahead of January transfer window
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to stay with Al Nassr
GETTY
Cristiano Ronaldo will soon reportedly sign a new contract with Al Nassr to keep him playing in the Saudi Pro League well into his 40s.
The Portuguese superstar made the shock move to Saudi Arabia after his unceremonious exit from Manchester United a year ago.
His move to the Middle East sparked an eye-watering spending spree from Saudi clubs with the likes of Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema and Neymar following in Ronaldo's footsteps.
The 38-year-old appears to be fully committed to the country's project as he believes it can soon rival Europe's top five leagues.
Cristiano Ronaldo will turn 39 years of age in February
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And Ronaldo appears willing to stick to it in Saudi Arabia as he's reportedly requested a contract extension with Al Nassr.
According to reports from Saudi Arabia, an announcement is imminent with Ronaldo's new deal set to run until 2027.
His current deal is set to expire at the end of 2024, but he's reportedly committing to two more seasons in Saudi Arabia.
That would also see Ronaldo playing in the Middle East well into his 40s with no apparent sign he plans to retire soon.
It also rules out any potential January exit for Ronaldo back to Europe as he appears willing to continue with Al Nassr.
His reported commitment also raises questions on whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo left the 2022 World Cup in tears after Portugal were knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals.
And he indicated after the tournament that he would not play in another World Cup in an emotional social media post.
He wrote: "Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career.
"Fortunately, I won many international titles, including for Portugal, but putting our country's name on the highest level in the world was my biggest dream.
"I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the five appearances I made at World Cups over 16 years, always alongside great players and supported by millions of Portuguese people, I gave my all.
"I left everything on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream.
"Unfortunately, yesterday the dream ended. It's not worth reacting to heat. I just want everyone to know that a lot has been said, a lot has been written, a lot has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal has not changed for a moment.
"I was always another person fighting for everyone's goal and I would never turn my back on my companions and my country.
"For now, there isn't much more to say. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted... Now, we just have to wait for time to be a good advisor and allow everyone to draw their own conclusions."
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But Ronaldo has not retired from international football and played a crucial role in helping his country qualify for next year's European Championships.
He ended the qualifying campaign with 10 goals with only Romelu Lukaku scoring more.