'I believe I will be champion in Saudi Arabia' - Ronaldo on Al Nassr renewal | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo’s commitment to Al Nassr, the Roshn Saudi League and the Kingdom made headlines around the world on Thursday - as only the Portuguese superstar tends to do.

The two-time RSL golden boot winner has pledged his future to Saudi Arabia for another two years, with his contract at Al Nassr extended until 2027.

Not long after, we heard from the five-time Ballon d'Or, when he spoke at length to Al Nassr’s official media about his decision to stay, his love for both the club and the country, and his role in the RSL’s continued growth.

To celebrate the brilliant news, here’s a flavour from Ronaldo’s Renewal: The Interview.

On deciding to remain at Al Nassr

“Of course since day one, I have [an agreement] to make change not only in Al Nassr, but in a country, too. So this is my goal. Of course, my goal is always to win something important for Al Nassr.

"And I still believe in that. This is why I renewed the two years more - because I believe that I will be champion in Saudi Arabia.

"As you mentioned, I had some offers to play [FIFA Club] World Cup, but it didn't make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation. Because this season will be very long, because this is the season of the [2026 FIFA] World Cup at the end.

"So I want to be ready not only for Al Nassr, but also for the national team. This is why I decide to play the last game in the [UEFA] Nations League [final earlier this month] and to not listen to anything. And of course, to be in this club, which is I love it."

On growth of the RSL

"We're still improving, but I believe that in this moment we're in [the] top five [leagues in the world] already. But I still believe that we continue to improve, and we have time - and we show the last two and a half years that the league is going up all the time.

"I'm happy because I know the league is very competitive. Only people who have never played in Saudi, they don't understand anything about football and say this league is not in the top five. I believe 100 percent in my words and the people who play in this league know what I'm talking about.

"This is why I want to stay, because I believe in the project, not [only] the next two years, but until 2034, which is the goal and will be the [FIFA] World Cup in Saudi Arabia - which I believe will be the most beautiful one ever.

"So I'm happy for two more years. I want to fight with the best teams in Saudi to win the league. I believe [in that] and it's better to let's see at the end of the day."

On growth of the Kingdom

"Amazing. This is why I will stay two more years as a football player, but then also for life, because my contribution for this country is not only for football, it's for everything. I want to be part of the growth of the country forever.

"And, of course, the role of the fans is very important in my decision because I know the people love me, I love Saudi people and I want to continue to give enjoyment to these people - because they always support me, they’re always at my back.

"And, as I say before, what I want is to win something important for this club. Not only the King [Salman] Club Cup that we won two years ago, but I believe that we have the potential to win more important things."

On Al Nassr's 2024-25 campaign

"Of course, we are not happy for what's happened the last season. It's normal. If we are competitive and if we are a winner, we know that what we did last season is not enough. But it's already passed. We have to focus now on the present; the present is good.

"We are going to change so many things. I believe in the project; I believe in Al Nassr; I believe in the fans. The past is the past. Let's think positive. Let's think that this season will be our best season ever.

"Now we have to believe in the present. I believe that this season we're going to do an amazing season and we are going to win something very, very, very important. And the supporters should be on our side because, with them, we're going to be more stronger."

On family life in Saudi

"My family always support me; it doesn't matter which decision I take, not only here in Saudi Arabia, but all the decisions that I took it before, with Juventus, with Manchester United, with Real Madrid.

"For me, it's the most important. If they are happy, I'm happy. And they are happy in Saudi. We have a good life. The Saudi people treat us very, very, very good. This is why we want to live there and continue to make our life there.

"In general, I like to live here. I feel safe, me and my family. So the things change in a fast way. I like to be here because I follow the process, I follow the changes, and I like it - I like to be part of the changes of the country.

"But we have a lot of potential to still grow and grow and grow, not only in football, but in other areas too, in the business area, in entertainment. So I feel so proud."

On Cristiano Jnr in RSL one day

"Why not? We never know the future. I never thought two years ago that I will play in Saudi Arabia. Never thinking about that. But life is a box of surprises. We never know what's going to happen.

"But I make in my life, which is to live in the present. I don't take decisions by the future. The present is good; the present is bright. I'm very positive person.

"I believe in the next years the project will continue to grow, Cristiano will win something important in Saudi Arabia. And what I want to give the Saudi people, and especially the Al Nassr fans, is a very important trophy."

On investing in Saudi sport

"Why not? It depends on many factors, the opportunities. But I'm not a regular person, to be honest. I'm thinking different than other players. I don't say I'm better than them, but I'm think different.

"To be a coach? I can tell that right now, I'm never going to be a coach. Never is a strong work, but it's not in my plans in five years, 10, 20.

"But projects and to be part of the growth of the country, to be on the side of the country, for sure I will be beside the country. Because I'm not coming only to play football, I'm playing for change of the country, a cultural country.

"I'm a part of that process. As I say, so many, many times, I belong to Saudi Arabia. I'm Portuguese, but I belong to Saudi Arabia."

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