Cristiano Ronaldo’s professional playing career more than puts him into the category of players who are historically, basically unrivalled, in their individual and personal success across all levels of the game of football.
And of course, Ronaldo can boast a little more than many in that category as he has tasted success in numerous leagues, with numerous clubs and has almost won everything now available to the world’s very best players.
The 37 year old footballing legend more than made a name for himself as a youngster during his spell with homeland club Sporting Lisbon, and with significant interest in his services, he eventually made the move to English Premier League giants (and back then dominating rulers) Manchester United and even though, for most English fans, he was an unknown but simply raw talent, his progress was immense as he more than established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet and by the end of his time with them, almost had a goal every two or three game ratio to his name – let alone his assist tally for colleagues.His progress was such that Spanish giants Real Madrid had no concerns paying a massive £80 million to take him to La Liga in the summer of 2009, and whilst he had some media and board related wobbles over the years, Los Blancos fans know he was a real star in the Santiago Bernabeu history and again his incredible goals to games ratio is phenomenal, especially when then added to his assists and overall importance and no casino no minimum deposit could ever promise that kind of return.
The summer of 2018 saw a further pivot from Ronaldo as he moved to Italy and another European great in the shape of Juventus for a reported £99.2 million. His spell there did not last as long, but with a scoring record of 81 goals in 98 league appearances, added to 20 goals in 35 games in other competitions – he remained unrivalled.Sadly for Ronaldo, his return to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 did not go entirely to plan for either the player, or in fairness the club itself. They may have only resigned him for a little short of £13 million, but it is accepted his wages were very rewarding.A mix of not fitting their current system plus off field problems meant it was unlikely to work out, but he still retook the Premier League by storm – scoring 27 goals in his 45 starts – but having referenced the off pitch issues, it was really only a matter of time before somebody as driven, proud and determined as Ronaldo tried to change his fate again, to make himself happier in the game.
That came at a cost with his explosive interview with Piers Morgan at the tail end of 2022 and given his words, he left United with little choice but to cancel his contract. Ultimately, a decision I think both parties will look back on agreeing it was the right decision at the right time.So his Al-Nassr journey began and whilst many people thought, based on the information available, he would end his career there and move into an ambassadorial role, gaffer Rudi Garcia has recently claimed Ronaldo wants one last stab at European football before he hangs up his boots for good.
This should be taken in the context that Garcia is now seemingly commenting as if Ronaldo was forced on him.“One of the things that changed the course of the match was Cristiano’s missed opportunity in the first half.” He went on to bemoan how his team mates passed the ball to him more often, whilst also criticising his positioning.Garcia continued – contradicting Ronaldo’s own words.“He is one of the best players in the world.
He will not finish his career at Al-Nassr, he will return to Europe.”Ronaldo’s faithful will watch on with interest.
