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Defying the odds is what Cristiano Ronaldo does. It’s what he’s done all his career—be it for the Portuguese national team or the clubs he’s represented. And now, he’s doing it at Al Nassr, turning back the clock. It’s a trajectory that started taking shape during Ronaldo’s torrid second stint at Manchester United. Conflicts with Erik Ten Hag forced CR7 to terminate his contract with the Mancunian club, but it led to one of the “best decisions” he’s made. However, there’s one aspect of his time in the Saudi Pro League that he can’t help but ponder over.

The Portuguese icon ended 2023 with a staggering 54 goals, a huge jump from 2022, during which he just amassed 16. It looks like the move to Saudi Arabia came just at the right time for the soccer legend, who now looks revitalized and rejuvenated. After leaving Europe behind, he hasn’t looked back 

Al Nassr is “a truly great club” for Cristiano Ronaldo

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In January 2023, CR7 made the move to Al Nassr. In December 2023, he was crowned the top goal-scorer of the year, courtesy of his 54th on the night his team beat Al Taawoun. Understandably ecstatic about finishing the year on a high, Ronaldo said, “One of the best decisions I made in my football life was my move to Al-Nassr Saudi Club.” [Translated by Google] Hoping to achieve similar heights next year, there is one thing the Portuguese international would’ve liked to do differently.

“It is a truly great club and I wished I had come to it at the beginning of my career,” said Ronaldo. While that could’ve been an interesting prospect, he’s undoubtedly making the most of his time with Al Nassr right now. Despite joining the SPL at 38, CR7 has been one of the best performers in the league. This season, he has amassed 20 goals in 18 appearances, further solidifying the claim that age is, in fact, just a number for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

With 34 senior trophies to his name, only one of them came at Al Nassr—when he guided his team to a remarkable victory in the Arab Club Champions Cup final. Being the player he is and the fact that he’s nearing the end of his career, Ronaldo has some lofty goals at the club that he hopes to achieve before retiring.

CR7 believes “Al Nassr fans deserve” what he’s planned

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In a recent interview, Cristiano Ronaldo talked about his ambitions at Al Alami. He said, “I will not retire from football until I achieve more than five championships with Al-Nassr Club.” A big claim from the legendary soccer player. Al Nassr last won the league title in 2018/19, and Ronaldo will surely want to guide the team to another one at the first time of asking.

Read More: David De Gea Calls Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Animal’ After Al Nassr’s Thumping 5-2 Win Over Al Ittihad

After Ronaldo & Co won the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023, he’s reached one-fifth of that goal already. Ronaldo’s motivation for this inclination is the fans. He explained, “Al-Nassr fans deserve that from me. They are the greatest fans in the world.” Classy as always from the captain.

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Can the soccer legend inspire his team to the title and give the fans what they deserve? Let us know in the comments below.

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