"We are still improving" - Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence on Al-Nassr exit speculation amid contract saga

Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at an extension with Al-Nassr. The Portuguese superstar's contract with the Riyadh-based club expires at the end of this season and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.

CR7 arrived in the Middle East in December 2022 after an abrupt end to his second tenure with Manchester United. He has since scored 74 goals and set up 18 more from 83 games for the Saudi club.

Speaking to the Saudi Pro League's media channel, Cristiano Ronaldo recently said he is settled in the country.

“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," Ronaldo said (via News18).

He continued:

“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, push hard, respect the club, respect your contract and believe that things will change – for Al Nassr to try to win more titles."

CR7 has failed to win the league since arriving in Saudi Arabia. He has lifted one title with Al-Nassr so far — the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.

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How much does Cristiano Ronaldo earn at Al-Nassr?

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo was the highest-paid footballer in the world in 2024, according to an assessment by Forbes. The 39-year-old reportedly gets $220m per year at Al-Nassr, while an additional $65m from off-the-field commitments takes his total earnings to $285m.

That is miles ahead of his bitter rival Lionel Messi, who is second on that list. The diminutive Argentine currently plies his trade with Inter Miami and pockets $135m annually, including $75m off-field.

CR7's earnings surpass his own record from 2023 when he registered a total earning of $260m. Since 1990, only former boxer Floyd Mayweather has earned more than Cristiano Ronaldo among the athletes in the world.

The Portuguese icon's impact in the Middle East is unmatched. His arrival has opened the doors for some of the top players in the world to make their way to the region, including Neymar.

It is quite likely that Al-Nassr will hold on to their prized asset for a little longer. CR7 has registered 16 goals and three assists from 19 games this season.