-Credit:FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images
The ever-controversial Saudi Pro League has resumed after their winter break and all eyes are currently on Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo as he nears the end of his contract in the Middle East.
When Ronaldo left United following a public fallout with Erik ten Hag, his stock had arguably never been lower with United supporters. However, time is the healer of all great wounds and considering how the Dutchman’s tenure ended at Old Trafford and some of the kind words Ronaldo has said about the club since his infamous interview, he has managed to restore his legendary status.
In some ways, the move to Al Nassr has been a blessing for Ronaldo as he has managed to resume his incredible scoring prowess while also continuing to be picked for the Portuguese national team. However, at 39 he is in the twilight of his career and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, there is speculation as to whether Ronaldo will extend his deal or move elsewhere.
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Should he wish to move elsewhere, the MLS being touted as one likely destination, Ronaldo would probably have plenty of suitors. He has managed 17 goals in 20 appearances for Al Nassr as they sit third in the Saudi Pro League and he has scored consistently in the UEFA Nations League this season.
He has missed only one match in the Saudi Pro League this season and has captained Al Nassr throughout. Ronaldo has done all this despite seeing his former United teammate Alex Telles leave the club in September.
The full-back is now plying his trade in his home country of Brazil with Botafogo. Two other former United players do remain in the Saudi Pro League, though.
Defender Chris Smalling rejuvenated his career after joining AS Roma in 2020 and after four years at the club where he helped the Italians win the Conference League, the Englishman made the switch to Al Fayha. Sadly for Smalling, while he has been an ever-present in the heart of the defence, his team find themselves struggling in the relegation zone.
Chris Smalling battles for the ball with ex-Fulham man Aleksander Mitrovic during Al Fayha’s away trip to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League -Credit:Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
They have picked up just the one victory in the Saudi Pro League this season and while they do hold a game in hand over their relegation rivals, they are four points adrift from safety. Sitting just above them, but still in the relegation zone, is Al Wehda.
They boast former United striker Odion Ighalo in their ranks. At 35, Al Wehda is Ighalo’s third team in Saudi Arabia having previously represented Al Shabab and Al Hilal.
This season has been okay on a personal level for the Nigerian who has bagged five goals in 16 appearances. Ighalo has scored two of these goals in back-to-back matches in the Saudi Pro League which most recently helped Al Wehda to a 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Al Fateh.