Cristiano Ronaldo declares Saudi Arabia his home: ‘I want to live here forever’

Dubai: Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s most celebrated stars, has declared that he plans to live in Saudi Arabia for the rest of his life, describing the kingdom as a place of “peace and safety” and a country where he and his family feel genuinely at home.

The 40-year-old Portuguese forward, who joined Al Nassr in late 2022 after parting ways with Manchester United, extended his contract with the Saudi club until 2027.

The renewal, announced by the club last Thursday, will see Ronaldo remain with Al Nassr beyond his 42nd birthday.

“My family always supports my decisions, and we’re happy here in Saudi Arabia,” Ronaldo said in a video released by the club on its YouTube channel. “The people treat us in an incredibly warm way. That’s why we want to live here and build our lives here.”

Ronaldo, who has scored 99 goals across all competitions since joining Al Nassr, said that his motivation for the contract extension is driven by an unfinished mission: winning a major title with the club. While he lifted the King Salman Club Cup, he has yet to claim a major domestic or continental championship with Al Nassr.

“I still believe in that goal,” he said. “That’s why I renewed for two more years. I believe I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia.”

In a candid moment, Ronaldo also revealed that he turned down offers to play in the ongoing expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, citing the need for rest and full preparation ahead of what he expects to be a demanding season.

“It wasn’t a logical decision to take,” he said. “I felt it was more important to rest and get ready for a long season that will end with the World Cup. I want to be at my best, not only for Al Nassr but also for the Portuguese national team.”

Earlier this month, Ronaldo helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League, scoring in the final against Spain before his team clinched victory in a dramatic penalty shootout against the reigning European champions.

Ronaldo also praised the Saudi Pro League, calling it “one of the top five leagues in the world” and predicted that the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Saudi Arabia is set to host, “will be the most beautiful in history.”

Looking ahead, he promised that next season would be “the best in Al Nassr’s history.”

When asked what advice he would give to those unfamiliar with Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo smiled and said, “We don’t need to prove anything to anyone. I’m here on the Red Sea because I love it. My family and I feel at peace here. I’m not just talking about tourist destinations, Riyadh, Jeddah, and others, I love the culture. I’d just say: come and see it for yourself.”

-- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE