Cristiano Ronaldo has informed Al Nassr and Portugal of his retirement plans, it has been claimed.
In January, when Ronaldo acrimoniously departed Manchester United for the Saudi Pro League, many assumed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s career would wind down in the Gulf.
However the 38-year-old, who has scored 10 goals and claimed five assists in his eight Saudi Pro League appearances this term, appears to have no plans to retire anytime soon.
Advert
According to Spanish publication Cadena COPE Ronaldo has told Al Nassr that he would like to sign a contract extension through to 2027, when he will be in his early forties.
That deal would allow him to figure for his country at another World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
Ronaldo had previously indicated that he would retire from international football after next summer’s European Championship. He has already earned 201 caps for Portugal, claiming 123 goals in that time.
However, should he extend his football career until “early 2027”, when he will be 41, Ronaldo would have another shot at claiming a World Cup, the one major trophy that has so far alluded the Portuguese great.
Advert
Speaking to reporters in July, Ronaldo announced plans to extend his career to 2024 at the very least, insisting he still had something to prove.
When asked about his international future, the Portugal icon said, via Record: “I always have something to prove, when we have nothing to prove it is a sign that we are dead for life.
“Every year I always have something to prove. Proving that I can set an example of longevity, at 38-and-a-half years old I think I'll still do very interesting things. What? Goals, assists, good preparation in the Selection, having a good qualifying phase, a good European Championship and continuing to do what I've done in my 21-year career.
“I'll continue to enjoy it the same way. I still feel useful and good. It's continuing to enjoy football, which is what I like most.”
Advert
SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated news channel to send you the latest news, features and plenty more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Football, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Portugal