Ronaldo responds to Trump: I belong to Saudi Arabia and I'm staying with Al-Nassr
In a practical and direct response from the heart of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, Portuguese star and Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo thwarted all the speculation sparked by US President Donald Trump's recent letter. Trump's letter, in which he described Ronaldo as "the greatest of all time" and invited him to come to the United States, was interpreted in international sporting circles as a clear invitation to move to Major League Soccer (MLS), thus opening the floodgates to rumors about the future of the "Madeira Rocket.".
The response came resoundingly from the pitch, as Ronaldo led his team, Al-Nassr, to a resounding 4-0 victory over Al-Hazm, strengthening his team's position in the race for the top spot in the Saudi Professional League. Ronaldo's brilliance wasn't limited to his dazzling performance; he also chose a timing imbued with profound cultural and national significance, as the match coincided with Saudi Arabia's National Day celebrations. The global star captivated audiences by celebrating his goal while wearing a traditional Saudi "bisht," a gesture that resonated worldwide and underscored his complete integration into the local culture.
A message of belonging and stability
Following the match, Ronaldo put an end to all the speculation with a direct media statement, saying: "I am very happy. As I have said many times, I belong in Saudi Arabia. It is a country that has welcomed me, my family, and my friends very well. I am happy here, and I want to stay here." This statement was not just a casual remark, but rather a confirmation of the player's commitment to his sporting project in the Kingdom, especially since his contract with Al-Nassr extends for several more years, with reports indicating it will continue until 2027.
The context of sports transformation in the Kingdom
To understand the significance of this statement, one must consider the broader context of the Saudi sports scene. Since Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, the Saudi League has transformed into a global destination, attracting top football stars and reflecting the success of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in the sports sector. Ronaldo is a cornerstone of this ambitious project, and his statements about staying enhance the league's credibility and competitiveness against other global leagues, including Major League Soccer in the United States.
Global Dimensions and Implications
Ronaldo's implicit rejection of the invitation to move to America and his emphasis on "belonging to Saudi Arabia" carry implications that go beyond the green rectangle:
- Locally: It reinforces the strong relationship between the player and the Saudi fans, and confirms his respect for local traditions and culture, which was clearly demonstrated by his wearing of Saudi attire on national occasions.
- Internationally: He sends a message to Western media, specifically American and British media, that the Saudi League is not a temporary retirement stop, but rather a comprehensive competitive environment that provides great players with passion and stability.
In closing, Ronaldo linked his future to the team’s goals, stressing the need to continue pushing and working hard to achieve victories until the end of the season, expressing his great pride in the Kingdom, its leadership and its people, thus closing the transfer file and opening a new page of achievements with “Al-Nassr”.
