Cristiano Ronaldo declares Saudi Arabia his permanent home: ‘I will stay here forever'

Time of India

5 days ago

Cristiano Ronaldo, who extended his contract with Al Nassr until 2027 and has scored 99 goals since joining in late 2022, plans to stay in Saudi Arabia for life and contribute to the country's growth beyond football./ Al Nassr Youtube
Cristiano Ronaldo
, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has made it clear: Saudi Arabia is more than just a career stop, it's home.
In a deeply personal and wide-ranging video shared by Al Nassr Football Club on its YouTube channel, the 40-year-old Portuguese icon said he intends to live in the Kingdom for the rest of his life.
'My family always supports my decisions, and we're happy here in Saudi Arabia,' Ronaldo said. 'The people treat us in an incredibly warm way. That's why we want to live here and build our lives here.'
Ronaldo described the Kingdom as a land of 'peace and safety,' and expressed genuine satisfaction with his family's experience since relocating. He said it's a place where he plans to stay for life and play a meaningful role in the country's growth forever beyond football.
He joined Al Nassr in late 2022 after a dramatic exit from
Manchester United
, and has since found not only a new team but, according to him, a new life.
Contract Extension, Big Goals
Last Thursday, Al Nassr officially announced the extension of Ronaldo's contract until 2027, taking him well past his 42nd birthday. Since joining, the forward has scored 99 goals across all competitions, a remarkable feat for a player in his 40s.
But for Ronaldo, there's unfinished business.
'I still believe in that goal,' he said. 'That's why I renewed for two more years. I believe I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia.' His reference is to the club's pursuit of a major domestic or continental title. While he did lift the King Salman Club Cup, he has yet to help Al Nassr secure a top-tier trophy.
This hunger to win remains a powerful motivator. As he explained, the new deal is not about coasting on past glory but chasing a future legacy with Al Nassr: 'I believe I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia.'
But Ronaldo's commitment goes beyond football. Speaking about his future in Saudi Arabia, he said,
'I will stay two more years as a football player, but also for life because my contribution to this country is not only for football... I want to be part of the country's growth forever.'
Saying No to Club World Cup
In an unexpected revelation, Ronaldo shared that he had declined offers to participate in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, currently taking place in the United States.
The decision, he said, was strategic.
'It wasn't a logical decision to take,' Ronaldo said. 'I felt it was more important to rest and get ready for a long season that will end with the World Cup. I want to be at my best, not only for Al Nassr but also for the Portuguese national team.'
His focus is clearly fixed on long-term performance and health, particularly with the 2026
FIFA World Cup
looming. The choice to skip the prestigious tournament underlines Ronaldo's evolving priorities: endurance, legacy, and national duty.
Praise for Saudi Football and the Future
Ronaldo has also become one of the most vocal ambassadors of the Saudi Pro League. He didn't hesitate to praise the league's rising global stature, boldly declaring it 'one of the top five leagues in the world.' He also spoke with optimism about the future of football in Saudi Arabia, particularly the upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom is set to host. 'It will be the most beautiful in history,' he predicted.
In addition to his football ambitions, Ronaldo's affection for Saudi life extended to personal advice for outsiders. 'We don't need to prove anything to anyone,' he said with a smile. 'I'm here on the Red Sea because I love it. My family and I feel at peace here. I'm not just talking about tourist destinations, Riyadh, Jeddah, and others, I love the culture. I'd just say: come and see it for yourself.'
Recent Glory with Portugal
While his commitment to Al Nassr and Saudi Arabia dominates headlines, Ronaldo is still delivering on the international stage. Earlier this month, he helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League, scoring in the final against Spain. The victory came after a tense penalty shootout against the reigning European champions, cementing Portugal's status and Ronaldo's continued relevance at the highest level.
As he eyes the milestone of 100 goals for Al Nassr and prepares for another season, Ronaldo has one message for fans: expect greatness. 'Next season will be the best in Al Nassr's history,' he promised.