CRISTIANO RONALDO is determined to play at the 2026 World Cup, according to reports.
The forward joined Al-Nassr earlier this year following his dramatic Manchester United exit.
Ronaldo, 38, initially penned a two-and-a-half year deal with the Saudi side.
According to Spanish outlet Cadena COPE, the Portuguese star has informed Al-Nassr chiefs that he wants to extend his contract until early 2027.
The former Real Madrid star is refusing to give up on his World Cup dream.
He has played at five World Cups dating back to Germany 2006.
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Ronaldo has so far not bettered the semi-final appearance his country made at his first World Cup.
The Al-Nassr skipper has earned a staggering 201 caps for Portugal, scoring 123 goals.
He helped his country win Euro 2016, but World Cup glory has so far eluded him, unlike his great rival Lionel Messi.
On whether winning a World Cup would take him ahead of Messi in the GOAT race, Ronaldo previously said: “Even if I win the World Cup that will continue.
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“Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes.
“I have always had to show what I can do year after year. I would love to win this tournament.
“I’m ambitious but if you tell me I won’t win any more tournaments I would still be happy given all I have won.
“In the history books all other records will be there. But obviously a World Cup on the shelf wouldn’t be bad. It would be a dream.”
Ronaldo has had a blistering start to the season with Al-Nassr.
He has bagged ten goals in eight Saudi Pro League appearances, while also bagging his first Asian Champions League strike.
Ronaldo was dropped from previous Portugal boss Fernando Santos’ starting XI during the last World Cup, with Goncalo Ramos preferred.
He left the field in tears following his country’s shock exit at the hands of Morocco.
Since Santos’ exit Ronaldo has returned to prominence for his country, starting five of Roberto Martinez’s six games in charge.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
