Al Nassr Resists Losing Cristiano Ronaldo

After two and a half years as the main emblem of Saudi football, Cristiano Ronaldo seems determined to leave Al Nassr to embark on a new adventure with an eye on the Club World Cup starting on June 14. However, the club, which pays him around 200 million euros annually, is reluctant to lose the Portuguese footballer, as highlighted by its sporting director, Spaniard Fernando Hierro, in a press conference on Thursday.

"Cris is now with his national team, taking a few days off. He has a contract until June 30, and efforts will continue to ensure all parties hopefully reach an understanding. Undoubtedly, efforts are being made for him to stay. The strong push from the entire country for him to remain will also be very important for him," stated Fernando Hierro in an appearance where he advocated for the continuation of the Funchal star as the great reference of Al Nassr, despite the club's failure in the Saudi championship, which has led the Portuguese to seek new professional horizons.

"Cris has opened this country's football to the world. He is a phenomenon, having had the courage to come, stay, and open the Saudi Arabian league to the world. It is an extraordinary milestone; since his arrival, high-level players have come. He opened all the doors. From there, the people at the top are doing an extraordinary job. There is a push," continued the former Real Madrid and Spanish national team defender in a speech that had raised great expectations after the Madeira star left a farewell-sounding message days ago.

"This chapter has ended. The story? It is still being written. Thank you all," Cristiano Ronaldo posted on his Instagram account, accompanying the message with a photo wearing the Riyadh club's jersey.

This note intensified rumors pointing to the Portuguese's departure from his golden exile in Saudi Arabia and his possible arrival at one of the 32 teams participating from June 14 in the Club World Cup. Initially, Brazil was mentioned, with Botafogo among the suitors, and then Mexico, a country represented in the FIFA tournament by Pachuca and Monterrey, the latter team where his former Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos plays. Recently, Al Hilal, Al Nassr's great rival, also supported by the powerful Saudi Public Investment Fund seeking a new star after Brazilian Neymar's departure in January, was strongly mentioned.

However, Al Nassr has not yet thrown in the towel and clings to the possibility of keeping the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has scored 93 goals and provided 19 assists in the 105 matches he has played with the Riyadh team. "Cristiano is a blessing," emphasized Fernando Hierro, who called for time to bring Al Nassr to "the place it deserves."