At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations, proving that age is not any barrier to greatness. As considered one of soccer’s most iconic figures, Ronaldo stays within the highlight, now making waves within the Saudi Professional League with Al-Nassr. Amid criticism of his transfer to the Center East, Ronaldo has emphatically set the file straight, declaring his intent to go away a legacy each on and off the sphere.
Ronaldo’s determination to hitch Al-Nassr in early 2023 raised eyebrows, with many accusing him of prioritizing monetary acquire over aggressive ambition. In a promotional video for the brand new Netflix documentary Saudi Professional League: Kick Off, Ronaldo fired again: “I got here right here to win, to make the league higher. I wish to depart a legacy. That’s what I need. They are saying I’m completed, that I’m solely right here for the cash… I nonetheless really feel the eagerness. They don’t consider it, however I’m right here to win.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s unwavering ardour for soccer is clear in his outstanding performances since becoming a member of Al-Nassr. In 80 matches, the Portuguese has scored 69 objectives and offered 18 assists, an astonishing tally that underscores his enduring high quality.
Ronaldo’s time in Riyadh has already yielded silverware. In 2023, he performed a pivotal function within the membership’s Arab Champions Cup victory, scoring two essential objectives within the ultimate towards Al-Hilal. Nonetheless, Ronaldo’s ambitions prolong far past this preliminary triumph.
The Portuguese ahead stays laser-focused on reaching the ‘final glory’ in Saudi Arabia, vowing to raise the league’s world standing. Along with his present contract set to run out subsequent summer time, followers are left questioning whether or not his journey in Saudi Arabia will proceed or if new challenges await.
Proving doubters fallacious
Since leaving Manchester United in 2022, Ronaldo has confronted relentless skepticism about his determination to hitch the Saudi Professional League. Many labeled the transfer as a retirement technique, however Ronaldo’s performances inform a special story. His drive, athleticism, and starvation to succeed stay as sharp as ever.
Ronaldo’s legacy has all the time been constructed on proving detractors fallacious. Reflecting on the criticism, Ronaldo emphasised: “I nonetheless really feel the eagerness. I got here right here to make the league higher and to win.”
Certainly, his influence in Saudi Arabia is clear not solely in his particular person accolades—akin to profitable the Saudi Professional League Golden Boot for the 2023-24 season—but in addition in elevating the league’s world profile.
Highway forward for Ronaldo
Whereas Ronaldo has already cemented his standing as one of many biggest gamers in soccer historical past, he reveals no indicators of slowing down. His tenure at Al-Nassr, fueled by ambition and the need to silence his critics, displays a broader mission: to redefine what it means to be a footballer nearing 40.
As Ronaldo approaches the 1,000-goal milestone in his illustrious profession, the world watches with bated breath. His contributions in Saudi Arabia are extra than simply numbers—they’re a testomony to his enduring greatness.
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