Ronaldo Rejects Al Nassr Exit Rumors, Reaffirms Saudi Commitment

Following reports of a dispute with club management and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, the Portuguese forward confirmed his intention to remain at Al Nassr.

Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly dismissed speculation regarding a potential departure from Al Nassr, reaffirming his commitment to the Saudi Pro League following a string of decisive on-pitch performances.

After a brief period of reported tension with the club's hierarchy, the team captain returned to the squad last week, scoring in a 2-0 victory against Al Fateh. On Saturday, he scored twice in a 4-0 win over Al Hazem, subsequently using his post-match press conference to clarify his future.

Recent media reports suggested the 41-year-old was dissatisfied with Al Nassr’s inactivity in the transfer market. The frustration was reportedly directed toward the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)—which manages Al Nassr alongside three other major domestic clubs—due to perceived preferential financial backing and player acquisitions for rival club Al Hilal.

These administrative concerns reportedly led to Ronaldo's refusal to play in recent fixtures against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad, sparking unverified rumours of a potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.

However, Ronaldo characterised the transfer speculation as unfounded.

“I am happy here. As I have said many times, I am committed to Saudi Arabia,” he told reporters. “This country welcomed me, my family, and my friends very well. I am doing well here, and I want to stay.”

Reflecting on the victory over Al Hazem, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s current form. “We created many chances. We should have scored more, but winning is the most important thing. We kept a clean sheet again. I am obviously very happy with the result and the goals,” he said.

Ronaldo, who is steadily approaching the 1,000-goal milestone with 964 career goals for club and country, has scored 20 league goals this season. His contributions have been pivotal for Al Nassr, who currently sit at the top of the Saudi Pro League table with 55 points from 22 matches, maintaining a narrow one-point lead over second-placed Al Hilal.

Focusing on the domestic title race, Ronaldo emphasised the team's ongoing objectives.

“The most important thing now is to keep fighting for the title. We are at the top,” he stated. “Our job is to win matches, maintain pressure on our rivals, and see what happens. We are focused, playing well, and confident. We must take it match by match.”