Cristiano Ronaldo 'wants to leave Saudi Arabia and return to Europe'

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly looking for a route out of Saudi Arabia, fewer than five months after moving to the country to join Al-Nassr following his release from Manchester United.

Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag had allegedly been planning to keep hold of the Portugal international until the end of this season, but Ronaldo's explosive interview with Piers Morgan in the latter stages of last year led to the 20-time English champions terminating his deal.

The 38-year-old is believed to have been looking to join a Champions League outfit, but he did not receive a suitable offer and therefore left Europe behind to move to Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo penned a contract with Al-Nassr until June 2025, and he has represented the club on 18 occasions in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and registering two assists.

There has recently been speculation surrounding the forward's happiness in Saudi Arabia, though, and according to Mundo Deportivo, he is looking to return to Europe as soon as possible.

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The report claims that Ronaldo no longer wants to live in the country and is now looking at his options when it comes to leaving Al-Nassr in the near future.

The forward has scored 14 goals and registered two assists in 15 appearances in the Saudi Pro League this season, and he recently hinted that he would be staying with Al-Nassr next season.

"We are much better. In my opinion, the Saudi League is getting better. Next year will be even better," he told reporters when asked about the league.

"Step by step I think this league will be in the top five leagues in the world but they need time, they need players, they need infrastructure but I believe that this country has amazing potential. They have amazing people and the league will be great in my opinion."

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However, privately, it is thought that Ronaldo wants to return to Europe, believing that he still has some unfinished business following his swift exit from Man United.

Ronaldo remains an important player for the Portuguese national team, scoring four times in two appearances against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg in their Euro 2024 qualification games in March.

Chelsea had been linked with the forward last year, although there are currently no indications that the Blues would be interested in bringing him back to the Premier League.

Ronaldo impressed for Man United during the 2021-22 campaign after returning to Old Trafford, scoring 24 times in all competitions, but he only managed three goals in 16 appearances in the first half of this season before leaving on a free transfer.

Bayern Munich, Roma, Sporting Lisbon and Newcastle United are also again being mentioned as possible suitors for Ronaldo this summer.