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Cristiano Ronaldo denies rumours he wants Europe return and says Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi are ‘welcome’ in Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo has denied wanting to return to Europe following a disappointing beginning to his career with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassri.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr on a free transfer in January when his contract with Manchester United expired. The 38-year-old scored 14 goals in 16 Saudi Pro League matches, but his team could not overcome Al-Ittihad to the league title, ending five points behind the eventual champions.
There have been speculations that he wants to leave Al-Nassr and return to Europe, but Ronaldo swears he will stay where he is, having signed a contract until 2025.
He told reporters: “I am happy and I want to continue and I will continue here. Next season the team will be better. We have improved in the last 5 or 6 months, and I am confident that we will win titles soon.”
The best European star who will be playing in Saudi Arabia next season may not only be Cristiano Ronaldo. While Lionel Messi has been linked to Al-Hilal, Karim Benzema is reportedly on his way to Al-Ittihad this summer.
Ronaldo says he would be happy to see his former Real Madrid star and the ex-Barcelona icon join him in the league, saying: “They are welcome…the league will improve, and it currently has wonderful foreign and Arab players.”
On June 17, Ronaldo will play for Portugal against Bosnia in a Euro 2024 qualifying match.