Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al Nassr forward playing in the Saudi Pro League, has stated that he might consider retiring from football if he suffers a serious injury.
The 40-year-old made this known after helping Portugal secure their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday night. The match against Spain ended 5–3 in a penalty shootout in favour of Portugal.
Ronaldo disclosed that he played the game despite carrying an existing injury. However, he added that it was not severe enough to stop him from giving his all for his country.
Roberto Martínez substituted Ronaldo in the 85th minute after he scored the second goal. Gonçalo Ramos came on to replace him due to an injury.
“You know how old I am already, I’m closer to the end than I was at the beginning… but I have to enjoy every moment. If I don’t get seriously injured, 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠. Football journalist and transfer window expert Fabrizio Romano wrote on his social media page.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also hinted at remaining with Al Nassr, following months of speculation about his future. As his current contract is set to expire on 30 June.
“Basically, nothing is going to change. So Al Nassr? Yea!”, Cristiano said, replying to questions after the final against Spain.
The Port City News reported that Al Nassr’s sporting director, Fernando Hierro, expressed the club’s eagerness to extend the contract of the former Real Madrid forward.
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Speaking at a press conference, Hierro confirmed that the club, which finished third this season, had already begun talks to renew the former Manchester United star’s deal. Adding that they ‘hope he continues with us.’
Speculation over the Portuguese footballer’s future arose after he shared a cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter). Following Al Nassr’s 3–2 defeat to Al-Fateh in their final Saudi Pro League match of the season, held at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium.
He wrote: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all,” a statement many fans interpreted as a possible farewell to the Saudi Pro League club.
