Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Contract Nears Expiry

Esteve Calzada, the chief executive of Al-Hilal, stated that acquiring Cristiano Ronaldo on loan ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup would have been ‘completely counter-intuitive’.

Speculation arose about Al-Hilal pursuing Ronaldo following FIFA’s introduction of an additional transfer window earlier in the month. However, Esteve Calzada dismissed these rumors when questioned about their interest in the forward.

Calzada noted, “We typically refrain from commenting on player situations, especially since our name frequently surfaces when a player or agent seeks a better deal with their current club or intends to move elsewhere.”

He added, “This transfer window has been peculiar, being exceptionally short. Making decisions based solely on this tournament, which you’d then have to live with for the subsequent two or three years, is not ideal.”

“While I deeply respect Ronaldo as an exceptional player, as we all acknowledge, bringing in the top player from your fiercest rival, particularly for a mere three to four weeks, is decidedly counter-intuitive.”

The Portuguese star’s contract with Al-Nassr is slated to end in June, and he hasn’t yet committed to a new agreement.

However, in the wake of Portugal’s notable victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final, Ronaldo suggested he would remain with Al Nassr.

“Future? Nothing will change. Al Nassr? Yes,” Ronaldo communicated to reporters following the match, where Portugal edged out Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.

The veteran forward, age 40, joined Al-Nassr in 2022. Ronaldo concluded the season as the Saudi Pro League’s leading scorer with 25 goals. Nonetheless, his club concluded in third place with 70 points, while Champions Al Ittihad topped the league with 83 points and Al Hilal secured second place with 75 points in the 34-match season.