Ex-Real Madrid president tells Cristiano Ronaldo why Al-Nassr transfer was a mistake

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Cristiano Ronaldo was still capable of playing 'two or three more years' in one of Europe's top leagues.

Ronaldo made the move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr at the end of December and has started to make an impact on his new club in recent matches. After scoring from the penalty spot for the first time against Al-Fateh 10 days ago, he then netted all four goals in the 4-0 win against Al-Wehda last week.

The 38-year-old departed Manchester United in controversial circumstances last year following an interview with Piers Morgan in which Ronaldo was highly critical of the club. He had regularly found himself out of the side under Erik ten Hag with just one goal in 10 Premier League appearances this season, which clearly Ronaldo was unable to come to terms with.

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Ronaldo was then dropped from the Portugal starting XI in the knockout stages of the World Cup in place of 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos. Speaking in an interview with GB News, though, Calderon believes Ronaldo should've remained in Europe for a little while longer despite his torrid end to his time at United, before then weighing in on the 'GOAT' debate with Lionel Messi.

“I would have liked him to play two or three more years in the top leagues. I think he's still fit, in good shape. He's been a player that has taken care of himself very well for all of his career. But I suppose he thought that this is a good option, so I wish him the best as to all the players that have been playing with us.

“Both are different players, but I like both. I think we've been lucky, the pope who love football, I think we've been lucky