Cristiano Ronaldo hinted that he has reached the end of his Al Nassr career, days after Gianni Infantino claimed he could make a shock transfer move ahead of the Club World Cup.
The Portugal international signed to the Saudi club in 2023, bringing a controversial end to his second spell at Old Trafford, scoring 99 goals in 111 appearances but lifting just one trophy, the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
Al Nassr were beaten 3-2 by Al Fateh on Monday as they finished third in the Saudi Pro League. He has now hinted that his career in Riyadh is coming to a close, though, as the 40-year-old posted a cryptic message across his social media accounts after the match.
He wrote: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”
Earlier this week, FIFA president Infantino had said Ronaldo was in talks for a transfer ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup, which kicks off in Miami on June 15.
“Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup,” he said. “There are discussions.
“Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup, yeah.”
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr contract expires in June. Should he decide against extending his stay in Saudi Arabia, he would not be short of options.
Spanish outlet Diario AS have reported that he has been approached by Mexican side C.F. Monterrey, who currently sit seventh in Liga MX and have been drawn alongside Inter Milan, River Plate, and Urawa Reds in the Club World Cup group stage. Should he make the switch, he would be reunited with his long-time Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos.
Several other participating sides are also reportedly interested in a short-term deal, including Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League rivals, Al Ahly.
All 20 FIFA confederations represented at the tournament have approved an extraordinary transfer window from June 1-10 to allow teams to strengthen ahead of the Club World Cup. The Premier League will be represented at the tournament by Chelsea and Manchester City.
