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Cristiano Ronaldo 'to return to Europe before retiring'

Cristiano Ronaldo 'to return to Europe before retiring'
© Reuters
Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia claims that Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Europe before retiring from football.

Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Europe before retiring from football.

Ronaldo's Manchester United contract was terminated in November following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, where he criticised various aspects of the club, including manager Erik ten Hag.

The Portugal international was believed to be keen to join a European club in a bid to play Champions League football.

However, following an underwhelming 2022 World Cup where he scored one goal in five appearances, he decided to join Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr on a free transfer.

The 37-year-old put pen to paper on a lucrative deal until June 2025, which is allegedly worth up to £177m a year.

Saudi Pro League XI's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal on January 19, 2023© Reuters

Despite scoring a brace for a Saudi All-Star XI in a 4-3 friendly defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, Ronaldo has been unable to find the net in his two appearances for Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo's competitive debut for the club resulted in a 1-0 league victory over Ettifaq, but his second match ended in a 3-1 defeat.

The loss took place against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals, and after the game, the Al-Nassr manager suggested that Ronaldo would finish his career in Europe.

According to Sport, Garcia said: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a positive addition as he helps disperse defenders.

"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."

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo pictured on January 3, 2022© Reuters

Ronaldo has previously competed in four European countries, playing for Sporting Lisbon, Man United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner won multiple trophies throughout his career in Europe, including league titles in England, Spain and Italy.

Ronaldo will be aiming to score his first goal for Al-Nassr when he features in Friday's away league meeting with Al-Fateh.

Al-Nassr currently have a slender one-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League table after collecting 33 points from 14 matches.

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Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo pictured during a training session on January 3, 2023
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CAl-HilalAl-Hilal343130101237896
2Al-Nassr342644100425882
3Al-AhliAl-Ahli34198767353265
4Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun341611751351659
5Al Ittihad34166126354954
6Al Ettifaq341212104334948
7Al Fateh34129135755245
8Al ShababAl Shabab34128144542344
9Al Fayha341111124452-844
10Damac341011134445-141
11Al RaedAl Raed34910154149-837
12Al Khaleej34910153647-1137
13Al WahdaAl Wahda34106184560-1536
14Al Riyadh34811153357-2435
15Al Okhdood3496193352-1933
RAbha3495203887-4932
RAl Tai3487193464-3031
RAl Hazem34412183476-4224


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