Cristiano Ronaldo called his first full season in the Saudi Pro League “one of the best” of his career after receiving the award on Monday for scoring the most goals in the league – a record 35.
The Portuguese international signed with Al Nassr on December 30, 2022 and played the second half of the SPL season in 2023. During his first full season in Saudi Arabia in 2023-24, Ronaldo broke the league's goals record in a season of 34, set by Abderrazak Hamdallah in 2018-19.
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“To be honest, it means a lot because it's my job,” Ronaldo said. “I have to be honest and say it's not something I was looking for at the beginning of the season, but over time I started to see that it was possible.” I have the opportunity to thank my teammates because without the team nothing would have been possible individually.
“I feel very proud to break the Saudi league record. It's great for me, I feel happy and this is my motivation to play football, train every time and keep going like this.”
Despite individual accolades, it was a trophyless season for Ronaldo and Al Nassr, who finished second in the SPL behind Al Hilal, and failed to win a trophy in any of the Asian Champions League, Saudi Super Cup and Copa del Rey. Saudi
It was a poor return for Ronaldo, a five-time Champions League winner, after his important move to the SPL, especially compared to the numerous achievements he achieved at other stages of his career with teams such as Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. .
Ronaldo will now join his Portugal team-mates ahead of this summer's European Championship, which will see the 2016 champions face the Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia in the group stage.
“I think the objectives for each season are the same: do your best and win titles. If possible, collect individual information.” [trophies] Also, but my goal is to be the same, to be the same Cristiano that you saw this season, to give my best, to achieve goals with Al Nassr and also with my Portuguese team. Maintaining my level is what I'm looking for.”
Also on Monday, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez called up Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes for the Euros to replace the injured Otávio, Ronaldo's teammate at Al Nassr.
Nunes has 12 caps, although none in a competitive match since the 2022 World Cup 18 months ago.
Martínez did not choose Nunes during the team's 10-win streak in its qualifying group last year. Nunes was also not a regular starter for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in their English Premier League title run.
