‘I want more – Ronaldo is still hungry to chase titles in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo recently celebrated his two-year milestone with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, but marked it by expressing his desire to secure more titles.

The Portuguese superstar, who was named Middle East Player of the Year 2024 at the Globe Soccer Awards, has maintained an outstanding scoring record with 74 goals in 83 appearances since joining the club on a free transfer in January 2023.

Reflecting on his trip to Riyadh, Ronaldo, who will turn 40 on February 5, shared his thoughts with the league’s official media channel.

He said: “I am happy and my family is happy. We started a new life in this beautiful country. Life is good, football is good.

“In an individual and collective sense, we are still here; we are still making progress.”

Scoring more than 900 career goals and holding the men’s world record for most international goals, Ronaldo has also highlighted the progress of the Saudi Professional League since his arrival.

“It’s an honor for me that the league is growing and that many stars are coming to make the league even better and more competitive,” Ronaldo said.

Dear Cristiano Ronaldo, pic.twitter.com/SnT14SFLL8

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 3, 2025

“To be the first – let’s say a star – to come here is an honor, but what I’m looking forward to is the next five to ten years of the league continuing to improve. Not only the first team, but also the academy.

“Not only for the future of the Saudis (players) and the league, but also for the country and competing with other leagues, this is my dream. And that is what I will try to help the country and the league to reach and be at that level.

“People look to Cristiano as an example, not only on the field, but also off it.”

Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has helped the team win the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.

Although the club missed out on additional silverware last season, he made history by scoring a record 35 goals in his first full campaign in the Saudi Pro League.

Reflecting on his achievements, Ronaldo added: “You know, when you win titles, things come easier, and to have the privilege of winning in my first year here, my first trophy, was amazing.

“But I want more. I will keep pushing and help my team Al Nassr win titles. I believe this year will be good for Al Nassr.

“It is difficult to compete with teams like Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, but we are still there, we are still pushing and fighting. Football is like that; you have good and bad moments, but for me the most important thing is to be professional, push, respect the club, respect my contract and believe that things will change – for Al Nassr to try to win more titles.

“(AFC) Champions League is something I want to win for the club, but the most important thing is to keep pushing and be professional.”