Ronaldo is 41, freshly married, and has just told the world his career is nearly over. He is also about to play again.
The Portugal captain will not feature in Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League opener against Al Fateh or in the King Cup Round of 32 tie with Al Diriyah days later. His return is pencilled in for 21 August against Al Riyadh in Matchday 2 of the Saudi Pro League.
The extended break was granted after his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez in Portugal. He only rejoined full training in mid-August and now needs time on the pitch to build match fitness before he can be considered for selection.
Postecoglou plays down trophy talk
The Australian took over from Jorge Jesus in early July on a two-year deal, and used his first Al-Nassr press conference to cool the trophy talk.
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“I do not promise anything.”
Nor did he hide his record.
“I have always achieved something in my first season. I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed. I don’t say things unless I believe them.”
After his first pre-season meeting with the striker, Postecoglou told reporters that Ronaldo had told him he was ready.
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“I had a conversation with Cristiano, and he confirmed to me his readiness for the new season.”
The Vogue interview
In an interview published on 16 August, Ronaldo pushed the retirement question further than he had before.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.”
He then talked about life after the game as if it were already in view.
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“I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one. And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned, what we’ve earned. Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”
His Al-Nassr contract runs to mid-2027, which sits neatly with the “probably” in that sentence.
976, and counting
Ronaldo has 976 career goals for club and country; 28 of those came for Al-Nassr last season, and 24 more take him to 1,000.
Kick-off against Al Riyadh in Riyadh is scheduled for 21 August, with Postecoglou expected to name Ronaldo in his squad if the fitness work of the past week holds up.
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