Ronaldo set to stay at Al Nassr with another World Cup looming
dpa
Munich
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly ended speculation about his club future, saying he will continue to play at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr as he also probably also sets his sights on next year's World Cup.
'Nothing is going to change. Playing at Al-Nassr? Yes,' he was quoted as saying early Monday by multiple reports after captaining Portugal to the Nations League title in Munich.
Ronaldo, 40, joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after falling out with coach Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. His current contract is until June 30.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had recently suggested that Ronaldo could move to a side qualified for the upcoming Club World Cup.
Ronaldo on Saturday confirmed talks but said he won't be at the tournament in the United States.
On Sunday, Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties to give Ronaldo and his team a third trophy, the others being at Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League.
'I have many titles but there is nothing better than winning with the national team,' the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said.
Ronaldo scored the 2-2 equalizer in the 61st minute which eventually set up the shoot-out, but came off in the 88th with an apparant thigh problem. He had also scored the 2-1 winner in Wednesday's semi-final against Germany.
The two goals brought his tally to 138, from 221 caps, which are both world records in the men's game.
Coach Robert Martinez said that Ronaldo had played a 'decisive role' in winning the title, after some had expressed scepticism whether the veteran still had a lot to give.
Martinez has also come under criticism, mainly from the Portuguese media, over not always glorious performances of the team.
Ronaldo named the criticism 'unfair,' and Portugal did indeed impress in Germany with well-executed tactics that stopped the resurgent host team and than also the classy Spaniards around their teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Ronaldo won the duel of the generations agianst the 17-year-old Yamal on the night but they may meet again at next year's World Cup, a title still eluding Ronaldo.
Sunday's final showed that Ronaldo can still electrify the fans, and the hosting Americans, Canadians and Mexicans are expected to share the excitement in what would be his sixth World Cup.
For Nuno Mendes, the Man of the Match on Sunday with a goal and assist as well as containing Yamal, there is no doubt about Ronaldo's value.
'He helps us a lot. He has a winning mentality. He is a role model.
We are happy to have him,' Mendes said.
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