Cristiano Ronaldo ‘is open to LEAVING Al-Nassr’ with Portuguese superstar allowed to negotiate a move to another club on January 1… but there is a key reason why he wants to stay in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly open to leaving Al-Nassr, with his contract set to expire in the summer.

From January 1 Ronaldo will be free to begin negotiating with other clubs ahead of a potential summer move.

As reported by Marca, the 39-year-old could consider leaving Al-Nassr but there is a key reason why he wants to remain with the Saudi Arabian club.

Ronaldo has made a major impact for Al-Nassr since arriving in January 2023 following his departure from Manchester United.

In total, the Portuguese star has made 83 appearances for Al-Nassr and has scored 74 goals, while he has provided 18 assists. 

His arrival in Saudi Arabia also led to other stars such as Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and N’Golo Kante electing to play in the country. 

Marca state that, while Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr, he is eager to win the league title in Saudi Arabia before he departs.

Last season Al-Nassr finished in second place in the Saudi Pro League, 14 points behind champions Al-Hilal. Meanwhile, this campaign Al-Nassr are in fourth place and are 11 points adrift of leaders Al-Ittihad.

The report states that Ronaldo would be interested in returning to Manchester United in some capacity following two spells at the club. 

Ronaldo’s eventual return to Old Trafford could well be in an off-the-field capacity, but for now there is much focus on where he will be playing next season.

Having scored 916 goals for club and country, Ronaldo is determined to reach the landmark of 1,000 and has no intention of retiring in the near future.

Ronaldo recently expressed his belief that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or this year rather than Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

‘I really love the way they do their career, (Jude) Bellingham, Lamine (Yamal) now, this young generation, Vinicius, they do a fantastic job,’ Ronaldo said at the Globe Soccer Awards.

‘In my opinion he (Vinicius) deserved to win the golden ball. It was unfair, I say it here in front of everybody,’ added the Portuguese captain, who has won the award five times.

Ronaldo is eager to win the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr before leaving the club

From July 1 Ronaldo will be free to begin negotiating with foreign clubs ahead of a move

‘They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too but I think they should have given it to Vinicius because he won a Champions League.’

Ronaldo also criticised France’s Ligue 1 as he commented on Saudi Arabian football.

He said: ‘Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has PSG. The rest are finished. Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see…’

‘It is difficult to become champion in Saudi. This year Al-Hilal are better, Al-Ittihad are top of the league, but I believe that we have to push hard to be champions.

‘I’ve been champion everywhere I have (played) and I believe I will be champion, but I’ve won this trophy for scoring so many goals and assists and maintaining my level.’