Cristiano Ronaldo has responded to critics claiming he is “finished,” emphasizing that he still has the passion and drive to succeed. The Portuguese star, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, continues to defy doubters with his performances, showcasing why he remains one of football’s most dedicated athletes.
Ronaldo’s decision to leave Manchester United in 2022 and move to the Middle East was met with skepticism, as some accused him of prioritizing financial gain over competitive ambitions. Despite these claims, Ronaldo has set high personal standards and delivered remarkable results, scoring 74 goals in 85 appearances for Al-Nassr.
A paixão mantém-se apesar dos desafios! 🔥
Cristiano Ronaldo revela os bastidores da sua transferência para o #AlNassr no documentário Saudi Pro League: Pontapé de Saída. Já Disponível. pic.twitter.com/3Bv7LDR7NF— Netflix Portugal (@NetflixPT) November 21, 2024
In a recent promotional video for a Netflix documentary on Saudi Arabian football, Ronaldo reiterated his commitment to the game and his mission to leave a legacy. He stated, “I came here to win, to make the league better. I want to leave a legacy. That’s what I want. They say I’m finished, that I’m only here for the money… I still feel the passion. They don’t believe it, but I’m here to win.”
At 39 years old, Ronaldo continues to perform at an elite level. He has already claimed silverware in Saudi Arabia, winning the Arab Champions Cup with Al-Nassr in 2023, where he scored twice in the final against Al-Hilal. However, he remains focused on achieving even greater honors in the region.
With his current contract set to expire next summer, speculation surrounds his next steps. While Ronaldo has expressed interest in continuing his career beyond his current terms, discussions about an extended stay in the Saudi Pro League or a potential return to Europe have emerged. Furthermore, Ronaldo has publicly declared his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals before considering retirement.
As one of football’s greatest icons, Ronaldo’s journey in Saudi Arabia highlights his determination to keep proving his critics wrong and maintain his status as a formidable force in the sport.