Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a contract extension at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr until 2027.

The Saudi Pro League club announced this in a post on X on Thursday.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027,” the club wrote.

Minutes before the official confirmation, the team posted a teaser video, with 40-year-old Ronaldo walking along a beachfront and saying: “Al Nassr forever”.

Ronaldo later posted a message on his social media accounts, confirming the extension.

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“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” he stated.

The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in Saudi Arabia to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.

Last month, Ronaldo posted “This chapter is over” hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.

Saudi officials in talks to keep Ronaldo after hints at Al Nassr exit

Ronaldo’s announcement in May came just months after Brazilian star Neymar ended his injury-plagued 18-month stay in January, after playing just seven times for Al Hilal – on a reported salary of around $104 million a year.

Although Ronaldo was the Pro League’s top scorer with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month.

Last year, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he could end his career with Al Nassr, the Riyadh team favoured by a number of Saudi royals.

Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo’s move in late 2022, and the desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034.

For the past two years, Saudi football fans could watch the likes of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, with six Ballons d’Or between them, on any given weekend during the football season in the kingdom.

The Star

Segun Ojo
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