Cristiano Ronaldo has left the door open for a shocking return to Europe before calling time on his legendary career.
Undoubtedly one of the best players to have ever grace the sport, Ronaldo admitted earlier this year that his career would ‘soon’ come to a close, with the upcoming World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the United States to be his last.
However, the former Real Madrid star might continue playing club football as signed a new two-year contract with Saudi Arabia club, Al Nassr, back in June.
Ronaldo will be 42 by the time his contract at Al-Nassr expires and he’s not looking at calling it quit.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring a goal for Al Nassr Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Speaking after being named the Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards Ronaldo said: “It’s hard to continue playing, but I am motivated.
“My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going.
“You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries.”
Ronaldo has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances this season for Al-Nassr, who are four points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League. He currently has 956 career goals and has not shown any sign of slowing down.
The Portuguese forward also received attention at another point of the ceremony. The forward looked flattered after earning a compliment from Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
Yamal was named Best Forward and Best U23 Men’s Player on Sunday and he paid tribute to Ronaldo. When Yamal was asked who he’d like to be compared to, he gave an answer that Ronaldo enjoyed.
“In the end, it’s best not to compare yourself to anyone,” the 18-year-old replied. “Players like Cristiano Ronaldo did what they did because they wanted to be themselves and not compare themselves to others. I want to build my own path.”
