Ronaldo will return to Europe, Al Nassr coach reveals

Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia has said that Cristiano Ronaldo will not end his football career at the Saudi Arabian club but will return to play European football again.

Despite having scored twice against PSG for an all-star team in a prestigious friendly earlier in January, Ronaldo is yet to score for his new club, failing to hit the net on his league debut against Al Ettifaq or in Al Nassr’s Saudi Super Cup exit to Al Ittihad.

Prior to his Al Nassr move at the end of December, Ronaldo had spent his entire professional career in Europe. Having come through the youth ranks at Sporting CP, he played for Manchester United (twice), Real Madrid and Juventus before heading to the Middle East.

The Portugal captain had his contract with Manchester United  terminated by mutual agreement in November last year, following an explosive interview with British broadcaster, Piers Morgan where he heavily criticised the management of the club and manager Erik ten Hag before making a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League on a two-year deal.

However, Al Nassr coach, Garcia has said that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will not play in Saudi Arabia beyond his two year contract but will return to Europe when he will be 40 years old.

Despite his early struggles in the Arabia, Garcia believes that the Portugal legendary striker still has much to offer, and he thinks that a return back to Europe is likely before his playing days are over.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a positive addition as he helps clear defenders. He’s one of the best players in the world. He won’t finish his career at Al Nassr, he’ll go back to Europe.” Garcia said, as quoted by Sky Sports.

Ronaldo had however claimed that he rejected offers from Europe cause he had won everything there is to win there.

-punch news