Cristiano Ronaldo reveals Saudi Pro League 'dream' after sparking transfer trend & picks out favourite moment of groundbreaking spell in the Middle East

After seeing his contract at Manchester United torn up in acrimonious circumstances, CR7 took the decision to step out of his comfort zone and leave European football. A record-breaking contract was signed at Al-Nassr, with that deal set to expire in the summer of 2025.

There has been talk of Ronaldo taking on another new challenge, as he prepares to turn 40, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has often spoken of his happiness in Riyadh. He committed to a long-term project in Saudi Arabia and intends to see that through.

Ronaldo has told the Saudi Pro League’s official media channels, having been joined in that division by a number of other household names: "For me, it is an honour that the league is growing and many star players are coming to make the league even better and more competitive. To be the first one - let’s say a star - to come here is an honour, but what I’m looking forward to is the next five to 10 years of the league still improving, not only the first teams but also the academies.

"Not just for the future of the Saudi [players] and the league, but for the country and to compete with other leagues - this is my dream. And this is what I will try to help the country and league reach and be there at that level."

Ronaldo has no plans to walk away from his contract at Al-Nassr, with more silverware in his sights. He has savoured just one trophy triumph in the Middle East and said when asked to pick out his favourite memory: "Probably when we won the first title [the 2023 King Salman Arab Clubs Cup, in which he scored both goals in the 2-1 victory against Al Hilal that captured the crown]. The final against Al-Hilal was probably the most intense one that we lived.

"You know, when you win titles, things come easier, and to have the privilege to win in my first year here my first trophy was amazing. But I want more. I will continue to push and help my team Al-Nassr to win titles. I believe that this year will be a good year for Al-Nassr."

Al-Nassr sit fourth in the Saudi Pro League, 11 points off the title-chasing pace being set by Al-Ittihad, but they are still in the AFC Champions League and hoping to tie their talismanic captain down to fresh terms.