Cristiano Ronaldo says he’s focused on turning things around with Al Nassr, seemingly ruling out the prospect of a shock January transfer.

Ronaldo, who turns 40 in February, moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after a fairytale return to Manchester United failed to work out, penning a lucrative two-and-a-half-year contract.

That deal, worth a rumoured £177m, is due to expire this summer, prompting speculation that the highest goalscorer in men’s international football history may be eyeing a return to Europe.

Indeed, struggling Premier League champions Manchester City – bitter rivals of United – have been touted as a shock landing spot for Ronaldo, as have Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain – though that link has since been downplayed.

But it appears that Ronaldo, who continues to be the shining light in a struggling Al Nassr side, intends to honour the contract that he signed in January 2023, with his focus steadfast on helping the PIF-backed side turn results around.

Ronaldo told Saudi Pro League media channels: “I’m happy and my family is happy. We started a new life in this beautiful country. Life is good, football is good. In terms of individual and collective, we are still there. We are still improving.

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

He added: “The [AFC] Champions League is something I want to win for the club. But the most important is to keep pushing and be professional.”

Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time after a stellar 21-year career that has seen him win five Ballons d’Or, the European Championship with Portugal, multiple Champions League crowns with Real Madrid and Manchester United, and a host of other individual and team accolades.

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