Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in Europe again? ‘Spectacular’ money claim from ex-Man Utd coach as Portuguese GOAT stars in Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr

Ronaldo linked up with Al-Nassr in 2023 having seen his contract terminated by Premier League giants at Old Trafford. He started a new trend when heading to a division that was lacking in household names.

There are now many on show in Saudi Arabia, with Ronaldo sticking around after agreeing an extension to lucrative terms that will take him beyond his 42nd birthday. Goals continue to flow for the former United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar.

It is expected that Ronaldo, despite generating talk of returning to his roots at Sporting, will hang up his boots as an Al-Nassr player. No club in Europe would want to fund the terms required to bring an ageing icon onto their books.

Meulensteen, who worked with CR7 in Manchester, told football betting site BetVictor: “I can't see Cristiano Ronaldo in Europe again. Not now. I think he's made that conscious decision. There was a void when he left Manchester United, and he still was keen to stay in Europe and play in the Champions League.

“There was a brief interest from Bayern Munich, but nobody really took a chance on him. That's why he went to Saudi Arabia. This is his fourth season in Saudi.

“The money is obviously spectacular and important to him, which is good. But he must still find the level interesting enough to play at, as well as the Asian Champions League. It keeps him ticking over for Portugal, and I think that's one of the most important things for him.”

Ronaldo’s exploits for Al-Nassr, which have included back-to-back Saudi Pro League Golden Boots, have helped to keep him in contention for selection by Portugal. He is eager to grace next summer’s World Cup finals while continuing to chase down 1,000 career goals.