12 October 2023 , 15:09
1155
0
Cristiano Ronaldo could extend his Al-Nassr contract until June 2027 - despite the Saudi Pro League facing strong criticism.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January after leaving Manchester United and has paved the way for countless superstars - including Neymar, Sadio Mane and Karim Benzema - to move to Saudi Arabia. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, is investing significantly in football and wants to host the men's World Cup in 2034.
Yet it's claimed several players are now regretting their decision to move to Saudi Arabia. The league is struggling to attract huge crowds, with fewer than 1,000 fans attending last month's game game between Abha and Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq.
But it appears Ronaldo is fully committed to his Al-Nassr contract. Rumours in Saudi Arabia suggest the 38-year-old is considering extending his existing contract, which is due to expire in 2025. He's previously hinted at playing until 2027 - when he'll be 42.
It's believed Ronaldo is keen to play in the next men's World Cup, which takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026. The Portugal captain hasn't retired from international football and has previously confirmed he wants to play for longer yet.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
"Genetically I feel like I'm 30 years old," Ronaldo told ESPN Brazil in January 2022. "I take great care of my body and my mind. Something I've learned recently is that after 33, I believe the body can deliver if you need it, but the real battle is mental."
Ronaldo added: "I want to find out if I'm going to play until I'm 40, 41, or 42. But the most important thing is that my daily goal is to enjoy the moment."
Ronaldo also reiterated his commitment to Al-Nassr in an interview with the Saudi Pro League's media team. He said during the summer: "The league is very good. But I think we have many, many opportunities to still grow. The league is competitive.
"We have very good teams, very good Arab players... I am happy here, I want to continue here, I will continue here. And in my opinion if they continue to do the work that they want to do here, for the next five years, I think the Saudi league can be a top five league."
Jordan Henderson joined the Saudi Pro League during the summer (Francois Nel/Getty Images)Do you think the Saudi Pro League will struggle to attract top players in future transfer windows? Let us know in the comments below!
Ronaldo's support is a boost to Saudi Arabia after The Sun claimed other superstars are hating every minute of their time in the country. Liverpool icons Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum are both at Al-Ettifaq and often play in front of modest crowds, with fewer than 10,000 fans attending their most recent home game against Al-Fateh.