Cristiano Ronaldo could sign seven-year deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr on Thursday – report

Cristiano Ronaldo is edging closer to signing a seven-year deal at Al-Nassr – two and a half years in a playing capacity, then continuing in an ambassadorial role – according to a report.

Al-Nassr are hoping that convincing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to join will help put Saudi Arabia on the footballing map ahead of their ambitious bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

Specifically, Marca add that once his playing contract has expired, he will move on to an ambassadorial role aimed at assisting Saudi Arabia secure hosting rights for the 2030 World Cup.

Marca state the deal could be confirmed on Thursday as the Saudi side are just waiting on Ronaldo to sign the contracts.

The 37-year-old previously denied that he would sign for the Saudi Pro League club.

Ronaldo is currently a free agent after he left Manchester United by mutual consent last month.

In a statement on their website, United wrote at the time: “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.

“The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future. Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”

The 37-year-old rejoined the Old Trafford club in the summer of 2021, having initially left in 2009 for Real Madrid.

However, after 24 goals in all competitions last season, he started just five Premier League matches this year under their new manager Ten Hag and was subject to disciplinary action after refusing to come on as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Tottenham in October.

The star was also left out of the United squad for the club’s final game before the World Cup as they beat Fulham, just hours before the first extracts of his controversial interview were released.