Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia has reportedly stated that Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Europe before retiring from football.
Ronaldo’s contract with Manchester United was terminated in November after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV in which he slammed the club and its manager, Erik ten Hag.
The Portugal international was believed to be eager to join a European club in order to compete in the Champions League.
However, after a lacklustre 2022 World Cup in which he scored one goal in five appearances, he decided to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr on a free transfer.
The 37-year-old signed a lucrative contract until June 2025, reportedly worth up to £177 million per year.
Despite scoring twice for a Saudi All-Star XI in a 4-3 friendly loss to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, Ronaldo is yet to find the back of the nett in two appearances for Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo’s first competitive appearance for the club resulted in a 1-0 league win over Ettifaq, but his second match ended in a 3-1 defeat.
The defeat came against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals, and after the game, Al-Nassr manager suggested that Ronaldo would complete his career in Europe.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a positive addition as he helps disperse defenders,” Garcia told Sport.
“He’s [Ronaldo] one of the best players in the world. He won’t finish his career at Al-Nassr, he’ll go back to Europe.”
Ronaldo has previously played for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
See Also: Newcastle Agree £45m Deal For Everton Forward Anthony Gordon
Ronaldo will look to score his first goal for Al-Nassr in Friday’s away league match against Al-Fateh.
Al-Nassr currently leads the Saudi Pro League table by one point with 33 points from 14 games.
COMMENTS