Cristiano Ronaldo is nearing the end of his illustrious career, which is sad for any Real Madrid fan. However, he's not done yet. Fans now find themselves asking the question, though: where will he play next?
With the Club World Cup coming up this summer, Real Madrid fans would quite like to see Ronaldo competing there. After all, it would give us one last taste that Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry that the world has lacked over the last few years.
However, if Al Nassr has anything to do with it, then it won't be a permanent switch. Their director has released a public statement, one that's impossible to ignore for any soccer fan.
In the public statement, Al Nassr director Fernando Hierro expressed the club's undying commitment to making Cristiano Ronaldo sign. He expressed that CR7 was key in the growth of the Saudi Pro League and there was an undertone feeling of 'but it's not done yet'.
Al Nassr go public on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future (and it’s hard to ignore)
In his own words, Hierro said: “We are still in negotiations with Cristiano Ronaldo over new deal. Hopefully we can find a solution on a renewal”.
Further, Hierro expanded: “Cristiano Ronaldo's presence from the beginning is a national project. He is a huge phenomenon in the history of football, has helped the league grow. We are in contact to renew his contract and hope he continues with us”.
That's quite a telling statement. It's very rare that clubs come out and openly admit how much they want to keep a player. However, fair play to Hierro, this is how addressing your fanbase is done; open and transparent.
Of course, it is in any club's best interest to hold on to Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a serial winner, who not only improves clubs, but also improves every single player around him. Even at this age, his presence in the dressing room shouldn't go overlooked.
That said, this season was one to forget for Al Nassr. They lost the title to Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad, but also missed out on securing a place in the Asia Champions League next season. Truly, a poor showing from Ronaldo's side.
Let's see how this story develops, and if the Real Madrid players bump into Cristiano at the Club World Cup this summer.