Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly ended hypothesis about his membership future, confirming he’ll stay with Saudi Pro League facet Al-Nassr, whereas seemingly maintaining one eye on the 2026 World Cup.
“Nothing is going to change. Playing at Al-Nassr? Yes,” Ronaldo instructed reporters early Monday after captaining Portugal to the Nations League title in Munich, in accordance with a number of shops.
The 40-year-old ahead joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after a high-profile fallout with Manchester United supervisor Erik ten Hag. His present contract runs by June 30.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino not too long ago floated the concept of Ronaldo becoming a member of a Club World Cup staff, however the star dismissed the notion Saturday, confirming that though there had been talks, he received’t take part within the U.S.-based match.
Ronaldo lifted his third main worldwide trophy Sunday as Portugal edged Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout – including to his Euro 2016 and 2019 Nations League titles.
“I have many titles, but there is nothing better than winning with the national team,” stated the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo scored the 2-2 equalizer within the 61st minute, organising the shootout, however exited within the 88th with an obvious thigh concern. He additionally netted the winner in Wednesday’s 2-1 semifinal victory over Germany.
The two objectives introduced his tally to 138 in 221 caps – each world data within the males’s sport.
Coach Roberto Martinez stated Ronaldo performed a “decisive role” in profitable the title, silencing some skepticism over whether or not the veteran ahead nonetheless had extra to present.
Martinez has additionally confronted criticism – notably from Portuguese media, for the staff’s less-than-glorious performances at instances.
Ronaldo referred to as the criticism “unfair,” and Portugal did impress in Germany with a tactically disciplined method that shut down each the resurgent host staff and a cultured Spanish facet led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Ronaldo received the duel of generations in opposition to the 17-year-old Yamal on the night time – however they could meet once more at subsequent 12 months’s World Cup, the one main trophy nonetheless lacking from Ronaldo’s illustrious profession.
Sunday’s ultimate proved the veteran nonetheless has the facility to impress followers, and the host nations of the 2026 World Cup – the United States, Canada and Mexico – are anticipated to witness the joy of what could be his sixth World Cup.
For Nuno Mendes, who earned Man of the Match honors Sunday with a objective, an help and a dominant efficiency in opposition to Yamal, Ronaldo’s worth stays unquestioned.
“He helps us a lot. He has a winning mentality. He is a role model. We are happy to have him,” Mendes stated.
Source: www.dailysabah.com