“I know I don’t have many years left in football” - Cristiano Ronaldo makes admission on future after scoring for Al-Nassr in AFC Champions League win
Al-Nassr ace Cristiano Ronaldo has made an honest admission about his future after scoring for his side in the AFC Champions League. The superstar forward, who turns 40 in February 2025, helped his side pick up a fourth successive win and a first in the AFC Champions League.
Ronaldo was missing from the Al-Nassr squad that traveled to Iran to face Al-Shorta SC in their Champions League opener on September 16. In his absence, the Knights of Najd were held to a 1-1 draw that saw former manager Luis Castro lose his job.
Cristiano Ronaldo was on the scoresheet for his side as they picked up a hard-fought 2-1 win over Qatari outfit Al-Rayyan in their second continental game. After the match, the 39-year-old spoke with the media about his future, revealing that he does not have many more years in football.
“I know I don't have many years left in football, I want to enjoy, that's my goal,” he said via Al Nassr Zone.
Ronaldo has been in Saudi Arabia since January 2023, when he joined Al-Nassr after having his contract mutually terminated at Manchester United. He has tallied 65 goals and 17 assists in only 72 appearances for the Saudi club, leading them to consecutive second-place finishes in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo also holds the record for most goals in professional football history, scoring 904 times in his career. With five Ballons d'Or and five UEFA Champions League titles to his name, the Portuguese ace will undoubtedly retire as one of the all-time greats.
Cristiano Ronaldo propels Al-Nassr to fourth straight win
Cristiano Ronaldo continued his fine form after finding the net for Al-Nassr in their 2-1 win over Al-Rayyan in the AFC Champions League Elite. The 39-year-old took his season's tally to seven goals in eight appearances across competitions.
Italian manager Stefano Pioli arrived at the club after their draw against Al-Shorta and has overseen an upturn in form since his arrival. The Knights of Najd have now won all four matches under him, with their squad showing promise.
Anderson Talisca returned from a thigh injury to start the game, but Sadio Mane opened the scoring for Al-Nassr in first-half added time (45+1'). Cristiano Ronaldo got in on the act in the 76th minute, finishing off a ball from Abdulrahman Ghareeb.
Roger Guedes pulled one back for the Qatari side in the 87th minute, but could not find an equalizer.