End of an Era? Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo drops date he will retire

Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked speculation about his future in the sport after making intriguing comments about his potential retirement. 

The 39-year-old superstar, currently plying his trade with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, has given his supporters and football fans worldwide something to ponder with his recent statements.

According to a Fabrizio Romano post via Now, Ronaldo addressed the topic of his retirement, stating, "I don't know if I will retire soon, in two or three years... but probably I will retire here at Al Nassr." 

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner who recently joined YouTube further elaborated on his current state of mind, saying, "I'm very happy at this club, I feel good in this country too. I'm happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue." 

These words not only hint at his retirement plans but also express his satisfaction with his move to the Saudi Pro League, a decision that initially raised eyebrows in the football world.

Since joining Al Nassr in December 2022, Ronaldo has continued to demonstrate why he's considered one of the greatest players of all time. His statistics at the club are nothing short of remarkable:

Games played: 68

Goals scored: 62

Assists provided: 17

These numbers highlight Ronaldo's enduring class and his ability to adapt to new environments, maintaining his goal-scoring prowess even as he approaches the later stages of his career.

Adding to his list of achievements, Ronaldo recently scored his 899th career goal in a match against Al-Fayha. 

The Portuguese star led Al Nassr to a commanding 4-1 victory, further cementing his status as a key player for the Saudi club. This goal brings him close to the historic 900-goal mark, a feat that few players in football history have achieved.

Ronaldo's presence in Saudi Arabia has significantly boosted the profile of the Saudi Pro League. His move to Al Nassr has not only elevated the club's status but has also attracted global attention to Saudi Arabian football. 

The league has since seen an influx of high-profile players, following in Ronaldo's footsteps, with Super Eagles’ William Troost-Ekong now amongst the stars, while Victor Osimhen could join the growing list this summer.