Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to sign a new contract with Al-Nassr, with the football icon poised to keep playing until the age of 42.
Last month, the 40-year-old sparked speculation that he could leave the Middle East by declaring: "The chapter is over."
However, Sky Sports have claimed that Ronaldo is expected to pen a new deal with the Saudi Pro League side despite those comments - meaning fans can expect to see the legend playing for a little bit longer yet.
As a result, retirement seems to be on the back-burner. It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that Ronaldo has a plan in mind for when he eventually calls it a day.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to sign a new contract with Al-Nassr, with the football icon poised to keep playing until the age of 42
REUTERS
Firstly, the Portugal international is hellbent on becoming the first player in history to score 1,000 goals.
He currently has 938 strikes to his name, having plundered them in for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United (across two stints), Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr and Portugal over the past 22 years or so.
The player closest to Ronaldo, in terms of goals, is long-term rival Lionel Messi.
The veteran, who is still going strong at Inter Miami in the MLS, has bagged 866 since first making his debut all the way back in 2004.
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Cristiano Ronaldo wants to become the first footballer in history to score 1,000 goals
REUTERS
Pele is third on the list with 762, while Romario sits in fourth with 756 - despite claiming his own number should be higher.
Secondly, Ronaldo signing a new contract that will prolong his career shows that he's determined to play for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.
Back in 2022, Portugal suffered humiliation at the hands of Morocco - losing 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Ronaldo, perhaps sensing that his last chance to win the competition was gone, broke down in tears in the aftermath.
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The veteran was widely criticised out in Qatar, with many feeling he was a faded force.
To his immense credit, however, the superstar has continued to produce the goods in front of goal for club and country alike.
Roberto Martinez, the Portugal manager, remains a huge admirer and started Ronaldo as the country recently beat Spain to win the Nations League.
Ronaldo, typically, scored in that final showdown - which Portugal won on penalties following a miss from Alvaro Morata.
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The third element to Ronaldo's retirement plan is he wants to play with his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
Junior is currently 15 years old but there's a sense that he will start playing senior football in the near future.
The youngster, who has previously been on the books of both United and Juventus, recently made his debut for Portugal Under-15s.
And Ronaldo has said in the past that he's eager to play with his oldest son. Time permitting, of course.
Cristiano Ronaldo has said in the past that he'd love to play with Cristiano Ronaldo Jr
GETTY
Meanwhile, Ronaldo recently opened up on his future and said he was taking each day as it comes.
"My mentality is to live day by day," he said.
"I don't have many more years to play… but I'm enjoying the moment."
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