Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Al-Nassr in January 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo is close to agreeing a new contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Saudi sources have told BBC Sport. The 40-year-old Portugal captain's deal was due to expire at the end of June, but sources indicate a two-year extension is close to being finalised. Ronaldoposted on social media "the chapter is over"following the Riyadh club's final Saudi Pro League game of the season last month, leading to speculation he was set to leave. Fifa president Gianni Infantino thenraised the prospect of him joining a teaminvolved at the Club World Cup after Al-Nassr's failure to qualify for the extended tournament which is being held in the United States. Ronaldo said he had received offers from participating teams but hadturned them down. Having helpedPortugal win the Uefa Nations Leaguetwo weeks ago, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward appears to have decided to stay in Saudi Arabia, and is said to be considering making his own sports investments in the Gulf nation. Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after the termination of his deal with Manchester United. He has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances for the Saudi club, including 35 in 41 matches last term, claiming the league's Golden Boot award for top scorer. Earlier on Wednesday, Al-Nassrparted company with Italian manager Stefano Pioliafter less than a year in charge. The ex-AC Milan boss led them to a third-placed finish last season in the Saudi top flight, where they finished 13 points behind champions Al-Ittihad. "Thanks for everything," Ronaldo wrote in a message on social media following news of Pioli's exit, with the 59-year-old set to take charge of former club Fiorentina. BBC Sport has contacted Ronaldo's representatives for comment.
Ronaldo to extend Al-Nassr stay, Saudi sources say
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"Cristiano Ronaldo Close to Contract Extension with Al-Nassr"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese footballer, is reportedly nearing an agreement for a contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. After joining the club in January 2023 following his departure from Manchester United, Ronaldo's initial contract was set to expire at the end of June. However, Saudi sources have indicated that a two-year extension is on the verge of being finalized. The 40-year-old captain of the Portugal national team had previously sparked rumors of his departure after posting on social media that 'the chapter is over' following Al-Nassr's last game of the Saudi Pro League season. Despite speculation about his future, including comments from FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding potential opportunities at the Club World Cup, Ronaldo has reportedly declined offers from teams participating in that tournament. This decision comes after he played a pivotal role in helping Portugal win the UEFA Nations League recently, signaling his intention to remain in Saudi Arabia.
Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has made a significant impact, scoring 99 goals in 111 appearances, including an impressive 35 goals in 41 matches last season, which earned him the Golden Boot as the league's top scorer. In the context of team changes, Al-Nassr recently parted ways with their Italian manager Stefano Pioli, who had been in charge for less than a year, leading the team to a third-place finish in the Saudi Pro League, 13 points behind the champions, Al-Ittihad. Following the announcement of Pioli's departure, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude through social media, acknowledging the manager's contributions. As Ronaldo contemplates the next chapter of his career, he is also considering opportunities for sports investments within the Gulf region, indicating a deepening commitment to his life and career in Saudi Arabia.
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