"It's difficult to continue playing, but I remain motivated. My passion is still high, and I want to keep going," Ronaldo said, as quoted by ESPN on Tuesday.
"It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I've always enjoyed football and want to continue playing."
The Portugal national team captain emphasized that he remains motivated to continue playing and competing at the highest level, despite turning 40. He made the statement after being named Middle East Player of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.
Ronaldo emphasized that his personal goals remain the same: winning trophies and reaching 1,000 goals throughout his professional career. "You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and reach that number (1,000 goals). I definitely would have achieved it, had I not had an injury," he said.
Ronaldo's goal against Al Okhdood took him to 40 goals for the calendar year. He achieved this feat for the third consecutive season and the 14th time in his career.
The Portuguese player has also scored 12 goals in 10 Saudi Arabian League matches this season, equaling his personal record from his time at Juventus in Italy's Serie A.
In addition to his prolific performances at club level, Ronaldo remains a mainstay for the Portuguese national team. He is the all-time leading goalscorer in international football history, with 141 goals in 223 appearances for the Selecao das Quinas.
With two years remaining on his contract with Al Nassr, Ronaldo is certain to continue leading Portugal to the 2026 World Cup, while continuing his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone, a personal ambition.
