France international unwilling to move to Saudi Arabia despite recent interest from Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr - Reports
France international Adrien Rabiot is not interested in moving to the Saudi Pro League this summer despite links to join Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. The former Juventus man is only keen on a move to a European club this summer, reports have indicated.
Formerly of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Juventus, Rabiot became a free agent this summer after refusing to extend his contract with the Italian giants. The leggy midfielder spent five years with the Bianconeri and has now chosen to continue his career elsewhere, attracting multiple suitors.
Multiple sides have approached Adrien Rabiot but recent reports from Saudi Arabia indicate that Al-Nassr have tried to reunite him with Cristiano Ronaldo. Both men played together for the Italian club, winning the Serie A title and Coppa Italia.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, though, has quashed rumors linking Rabiot to Saudi. He's reported that the 29-year-old is not considering any offers from the oil-rich nation. The journalist also revealed that the midfielder is not even interested in moving to Turkiye, from where Galatasaray have sent an offer.
Rabiot has been on the radars of multiple Premier League sides this summer, and the Frenchman is awaiting an offer that would see him remain in Europe. Liverpool weighed up a move for him before eventually deciding against it, as per TeamTalk. Long-time admirers, Manchester United, also considered signing the free agent.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr would have needed special permission to register the midfielder if he had joined, seeing as they have filled their quota of foreigners. The club does, however, remain interested in making further additions to their squad, and will likely make January signings.
Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo reveals plan to extend international career
Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he has no immediate intentions of calling time on his international career. The 39-year-old is in his 21st year playing for the Portuguese national team and has been a mainstay in the Selecao team over the years.
Portuguese football saw the end of the career of one of its icons when Pepe decided to retire from professional football after Euro 2024. Cristiano Ronaldo was rumored to be considering the possibility, but the Al-Nassr man revealed in a press conference that it did not cross his mind.
He said via Al Jazeera:
“That’s all from the press. It never crossed my mind that my cycle [with Portugal] had come to an end. Quite the opposite: it gave me even more motivation to continue to be honest."
Ronaldo has scored 131 goals with the national team and 900 goals in total in his career, both unprecedented numbers. The forward aims to continue playing for as long as he can, and he will be on the pitch when Roberto Martinez's side lines up against Scotland on September 8.