Cristiano Ronaldo Has announced he is hungry for more titles on his two-year anniversary with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
The Portugal captain, recently named the Best Middle East Player of 2024 at the Globe Soccer Awards, has scored 74 goals in 83 games since joining on a free transfer in January 2023 after leaving Manchester United.
Ronaldo, who will turn 40 on February 5, reflects on his time in Riyadh. Told the league’s in-house media channel: “I’m happy and my family is happy. We’ve started a new life in this beautiful country. Life is good, football is good.”
“Individually and collectively, we’re still there; we’re still improving.”
Ronaldo, who has scored over 900 goals in his career and holds the world record for most international goals among men, believes the Saudi Pro League is moving in the right direction since his arrival.
He said, “It is an honor for me that the league is growing and many star players are coming to make the league better and more competitive.” “To be the first player – let’s say a star – to come here is an honour, but I’m expecting the league to still improve over the next five to 10 years. Not just the first teams, but the academies.
“Not just for Saudi’s future [players] And the league, but to compete for the country and with other leagues, that’s my dream. And that’s what I’m going to try to do to help the country and the league get to that level and get there.
“People look at Cristiano as an example, not only on the field, but also off the field.”
Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has won the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. Despite missing out on silverware the previous season, he scored a Saudi Pro League record 35 goals in his first full campaign.
“You know, when you win titles, things become easier and to have the privilege of winning it in my first year here, my first trophy, was amazing,” Ronaldo said. “But I want more. I will continue to help my team Al Nassr win the title. I believe this year will be a good year for Al Nassr.”
Al Nassr are fourth in the Saudi Pro League, 11 points behind league leaders Al Ittihad.
“It is difficult to compete with teams like Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, but we are still there, still pushing and fighting,” Ronaldo said. “Football is like that; you have good moments and bad moments but, for me, the most important thing is to be professional, work hard, respect the club, respect your contract and believe that things will change – Al Nasser Try to win more titles.
“The [AFC] The Champions League is something I want to win for the club, but the most important thing is to keep trying and remain professional.”