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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement remains on his own terms, despite the 40-year-old no longer performing at the level he once did. Shearer also expressed interest in Ronaldo's future amid rumors of a possible exit from Al-Nassr this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become a free agent at the end of June, upon the expiration of his current deal with Al-Nassr. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's future remains unclear after he hinted his chapter with the club was 'over', following Al-Nassr's 3-2 loss against Al-Fateh on May 26.
After finishing the season trophyless and failing to qualify for the AFC Champions League, Ronaldo has been linked with an exit from Al-Nassr ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Several clubs, including Al-Hilal and Wydad Casablanca, have been linked with the Portugal forward.
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Cristiano Ronaldo is also going strong on the international stage for Portugal and remains a vital cog in Roberto Martinez's starting XI. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place next year, Ronaldo has shown no signs of considering retirement.
Shearer told Betfair (via GOAL):
"Ronaldo has hinted at an exit from his current club, what’s next for him? I don't know. He's not as good as he was obviously. It's impossible to be at that age but he's still going somehow and still scoring goals at that level. I haven't got a clue what's going on with him. He's still playing for Portugal, they won't retire him, he'll have to retire himself."
He added:
"Whether he wants to play in the Club World Cup, the World Cup next year... I don't know but it'll be really interesting to see what happens with him and what his next step is. You have to be surprised to see him still doing it at his age. To be playing at 40 at any level is remarkable. To still be playing and scoring for Portugal is remarkable but he's been just that all through his career."
Cristiano Ronaldo has also been called up for the UEFA Nations League semis. He is expected to feature for Portugal in their semi-final clash against Germany on June 4.
"God willing, we will find a solution" - Al-Nassr sporting director confirms the club want Cristiano Ronaldo to sign new deal
Al-Nassr sporting director Fernando Hierro recently confirmed that the Knights of Najd are actively negotiating with Cristiano Ronaldo to renew his contract. He also admitted that multiple clubs are interested in signing the Real Madrid legend.
Hierro made an appearance at a news conference on Thursday, May 29, where he said (via ESPN):
"Ronaldo's contract with Al Nassr runs until June 30. We will work to renew his contract so he can continue with us, and there are many clubs interested in signing him. We are negotiating with Cristiano Ronaldo to renew his contract. God willing, we will find a solution."
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr as a free agent in January 2023 on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Despite being unable to inspire his side to any silverware, the Portugal ace has performed at a high level, recording 93 goals and 19 assists in 105 appearances across all competitions.
