‘I am happy here, will continue’: Cristiano Ronaldo says he’ll stay in Saudi | Football News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: Despite finishing the season empty-handed at Al Nassr, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo said that he is happy in Saudi and pledged to continue in the oil-rich kingdom.
Ronaldo, who signed a 2-1/2 year contract with Al Nassr, making his debut in January, scored 14 goals in 16 games this season with his side finishing second behind Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo’s signing for Al Nassr has been followed by speculation about how long he will stay, including reports of a swap deal with Saudi-owned Newcastle United who have now qualified for next season’s Champions League.
But the 38-year-old said in an official Saudi Pro League interview: “I am happy here, I want to continue here, I will continue here.
“And in my opinion if they continue to do the work that they want to do here, for the next five years, I think the Saudi league can be a top five league in the world.”
In January, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus marksman signed a two-and-a-half year deal said to be worth more than 400 million euros.
He admitted some Saudi conventions had taken him by surprise, including late-night training sessions during the fasting month of Ramadan.
“In Europe we train more in the morning, but here we train in the afternoon, or evening and in Ramadan we train at 10 at night,” he said.
“So this is so strange, but as I tell you these situations are part of an experience, memories. I like to live these moments because you learn with these things.”
He added: “I expected to win something this year, but we didn’t, but next year I am really positive and confident that things will change, and we go in a better way.”
Since Ronaldo’s arrival, several other top players have been linked with a move to the Saudi league, with Lionel Messi receiving a formal offer to join Al-Hilal next season.
Ronaldo’s former team mate and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema too has reportedly received an offer worth more than 100 million euros from Al Ittihad.
“If they are coming, big players and big names, young players, ‘old players’, they are very welcome,” said Ronaldo.
“If that happens, the league will improve a little bit. Age is not important.”
(With inputs from agencies)
Ronaldo, who signed a 2-1/2 year contract with Al Nassr, making his debut in January, scored 14 goals in 16 games this season with his side finishing second behind Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo’s signing for Al Nassr has been followed by speculation about how long he will stay, including reports of a swap deal with Saudi-owned Newcastle United who have now qualified for next season’s Champions League.
But the 38-year-old said in an official Saudi Pro League interview: “I am happy here, I want to continue here, I will continue here.
“And in my opinion if they continue to do the work that they want to do here, for the next five years, I think the Saudi league can be a top five league in the world.”
In January, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus marksman signed a two-and-a-half year deal said to be worth more than 400 million euros.
He admitted some Saudi conventions had taken him by surprise, including late-night training sessions during the fasting month of Ramadan.
“In Europe we train more in the morning, but here we train in the afternoon, or evening and in Ramadan we train at 10 at night,” he said.
“So this is so strange, but as I tell you these situations are part of an experience, memories. I like to live these moments because you learn with these things.”
He added: “I expected to win something this year, but we didn’t, but next year I am really positive and confident that things will change, and we go in a better way.”
Since Ronaldo’s arrival, several other top players have been linked with a move to the Saudi league, with Lionel Messi receiving a formal offer to join Al-Hilal next season.
Ronaldo’s former team mate and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema too has reportedly received an offer worth more than 100 million euros from Al Ittihad.
“If they are coming, big players and big names, young players, ‘old players’, they are very welcome,” said Ronaldo.
“If that happens, the league will improve a little bit. Age is not important.”
(With inputs from agencies)
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