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Cristiano Ronaldo 'to return to Europe before retiring'

Cristiano Ronaldo 'to return to Europe before retiring'
© Reuters
Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia claims that Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Europe before retiring from football.

Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Europe before retiring from football.

Ronaldo's Manchester United contract was terminated in November following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, where he criticised various aspects of the club, including manager Erik ten Hag.

The Portugal international was believed to be keen to join a European club in a bid to play Champions League football.

However, following an underwhelming 2022 World Cup where he scored one goal in five appearances, he decided to join Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr on a free transfer.

The 37-year-old put pen to paper on a lucrative deal until June 2025, which is allegedly worth up to £177m a year.

Saudi Pro League XI's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal on January 19, 2023© Reuters

Despite scoring a brace for a Saudi All-Star XI in a 4-3 friendly defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, Ronaldo has been unable to find the net in his two appearances for Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo's competitive debut for the club resulted in a 1-0 league victory over Ettifaq, but his second match ended in a 3-1 defeat.

The loss took place against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals, and after the game, the Al-Nassr manager suggested that Ronaldo would finish his career in Europe.

According to Sport, Garcia said: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a positive addition as he helps disperse defenders.

"He's [Ronaldo] one of the best players in the world. He won't finish his career at Al-Nassr, he'll go back to Europe."

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo pictured on January 3, 2022© Reuters

Ronaldo has previously competed in four European countries, playing for Sporting Lisbon, Man United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner won multiple trophies throughout his career in Europe, including league titles in England, Spain and Italy.

Ronaldo will be aiming to score his first goal for Al-Nassr when he features in Friday's away league meeting with Al-Fateh.

Al-Nassr currently have a slender one-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League table after collecting 33 points from 14 matches.

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Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo pictured during a training session on January 3, 2023
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Al-HilalAl-Hilal109102781928
2Al Ittihad109012481627
3Al-Nassr106402181322
4Al ShababAl Shabab10703146821
5Al Quadisiya10613137619
6Al Khaleej105141212016
7Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun10433119215
8Al-AhliAl-Ahli10424149514
9Al Riyadh104241315-214
10Damac103251618-211
11Al RaedAl Raed103251315-211
12Al Ettifaq10325915-611
13Al Orubah10316921-1210
14Al Okhdood102261114-38
15Al Kholood101451219-77
16Al Fayha10145719-127
17Al WahdaAl Wahda101361427-136
18Al Fateh10127818-105


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