Cristiano Ronaldo will make Real Madrid return if club keeps promise

Tom Weber

• 8 May 2023 12:40 BST
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr is reportedly in doubt, and if Florentino Perez's past comments are to be believed, the Portuguese could yet make a return to Real Madrid.

The Portuguese legend has had an up and down time of it since making the move to Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia late last year, having left Manchester United after an explosive interview with controversial TV host Piers Morgan.

In terms of personal achievements, Ronaldo has been doing pretty well for himself, scoring a goal per game in the Saudi Pro League. Off the pitch and at the team level, however, it has been a different story as Al-Nassr have not been as successful as they had hoped to be with Ronaldo spearheading their attack.

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A loss in the derby against Al-Hilal and getting knocked out of the cup have dented their prospects of finishing the season with silverware, although they have recently been given a lifeline in the Pro League title race after league leaders Al-Ittihad lost.

According to recent reports, the 38-year-old reportedly already wants out of Al-Nassr, but could he make a return to Madrid?

What did Perez say?

Old comments made by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez have recently resurfaced in which he promised that the legend would indeed one day return to the club.

In 2018, Perez said: "Cristiano has remained at the heart of all Madridistas. If I saw him today I'd give him a big hug, he's the worthy heir to Alfredo Di Stefano. One day he'll return to Real Madrid."

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Last summer, however, Perez changed his tune, scoffing at the idea of re-signing a 38-year-old Ronaldo. In fact, several attempts by Ronaldo's agent to establish contact with Los Blancos over a move were ignored by the club.

So, even if Ronaldo were to depart Al-Nassr already this summer, would he really want to return to Madrid after being treated like that?