Cristiano Ronaldo decides when he'll quit football and retire with Lionel Messi behind decision
Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong while playing in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr
GETTY
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to sign a new contract with Al-Nassr that will keep him at the club until 2027.
And that means the Portugal international has firmly set his sights on playing at the next World Cup in three years' time.
Ronaldo only moved to Saudi last December after his relationship with Manchester United crumbled.
The 38-year-old caused anger at Old Trafford by publicly criticising Erik ten Hag, with the Glazers also targeted in a bombshell interview.
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly plans to retire in 2027
GETTY
Ronaldo is captain of Al-Nassr and has bagged 31 goals from 36 games since moving to the Saudi Pro League.
According to Ali Al-Harbi, the veteran has told his current employers that he's in it for the long haul.
The journalist said on X, former Twitter: "Cristiano Ronaldo informed the management of the Saudi club before traveling to the Portuguese national team camp that he wants to renew his contract until the beginning of 2027.
"Cristiano wants to play [at] the 2026 World Cup while he is a player for Al-Nassr Club, and then he will announce his retirement from football."
Ronaldo is seemingly eager to match Lionel Messi by winning the World Cup.
The duo have had a fierce rivalry that has lasted over 15 years.
Messi dazzled for Argentina in Qatar last winter as they finally won a first World Cup since the days of Diego Maradona back in 1986.
And Ronaldo is eyeing the chance to emulate his old enemy.
The next World Cup in 2026 is due to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
But Ronaldo will be hoping to fare better at that tournament than he did in the Middle East nearly 12 months ago.
He went into the competition hoping to prove he had what it takes to still play at the highest level.
Yet he managed to find the net just once in Qatar and was benched for Goncalo Ramos towards the end of Portugal's time in the tournament.
Portugal made the last eight and were widely expected to beat Morocco.
Yet the African nation sprung a major surprise by eliminating one of the favourites for the tournament from the competition.
Ronaldo has scored eight goals from 22 World Cup games throughout his career.
He first played at a World Cup all the way back in 2006, with Portugal making the semis before losing to France that year.
Speaking back in June, meanwhile, Ronaldo was asked about what life after football would potentially hold for him.
He's previously expressed a desire to try acting.
But Ronaldo said he's open to the possibility of buying, and running, a football club of his own.
"I don't rule out becoming a club owner," said the veteran.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to emulate Lionel Messi by winning the World Cup before he retires from football
GETTY
"It's something I thought about a few years back.
"I probably would like to own a [football] club.
"I'm at the end of my career, two to three years maximum."
You may like
