Cristiano Ronaldo rules out January transfer! CR7 makes statement on Al-Nassr future as £177m contract in Saudi Pro League runs down

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is working on a record-breaking £177 million-a-year ($220m) deal in the Saudi Pro League. Those terms, which were agreed when heading to the Middle East early in 2023, are due to expire in the summer.

There has been talk of Ronaldo readying himself for another new challenge, with a return to Europe being speculated on for the evergreen frontman, but no change of scenery is expected to be taken in before the all-time great turns 40 on February 5.

Ronaldo has told the Saudi Pro League’s official media channels: "I’m happy and my family is happy. We started a new life in this beautiful country. Life is good, football is good. In terms of individual and collective, we are still there. We are still improving.

"It’s hard to compete with teams like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, but we are still there, still pushing and fighting. Football is like that; you have good moments and bad moments. But, for me, the most important thing is to be professional, to push hard, respect the club, respect your contract and believe that things will change – for Al Nassr to try to win more titles."

Major silverware has been in short supply for Ronaldo across his stint with Al-Nassr, despite the goals continuing to flow, and he is determined to add to his medal collection before any long-term future plans are drawn up. CR7 added: "The [AFC] Champions League is something I want to win for the club. But the most important is to keep pushing and be professional."

Al-Nassr will be back in Champions League action on February 3 against Al-Wasl, with there five Saudi Pro League games for them to take in before then – with Ronaldo and Co preparing to step back onto the field after enjoying a festive winter break.