Ronaldo, who turned down offers to play in the ongoing expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, said that he and his family feel genuinely at home in the Islamic country.

Praising the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo called it “one of the top five leagues in the world” and predicted that the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Saudi Arabia is set to host, “will be the most beautiful in history.”

Ronaldo has recently extended his contract with the Saudi club Al Nassr until 2027. The 40-year-old Portuguese forward joined Al Nassr in late 2022 after parting ways with Manchester United.

The renewal, announced by the club last Thursday, will see Ronaldo remain with Al Nassr beyond his 42nd birthday.

In a video released by the club on its YouTube channel, Ronaldo said, “My family always supports my decisions, and we’re happy here in Saudi Arabia. The people treat us in an incredibly warm way. That’s why we want to live here and build our lives here.”

Ronaldo, who has scored 99 goals across all competitions since joining Al Nassr, said that his motivation for the contract extension is driven by an unfinished mission: winning a major title with the club. While he lifted the King Salman Club Cup, he has yet to claim a major domestic or continental championship with Al Nassr.

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“I still believe in that goal,” he said. “That’s why I renewed for two more years. I believe I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia.”

“It wasn’t a logical decision to take,” he said. “I felt it was more important to rest and get ready for a long season that will end with the World Cup. I want to be at my best, not only for Al Nassr but also for the Portuguese national team.”

Earlier this month, Ronaldo helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League, scoring in the final against Spain before his team clinched victory in a dramatic penalty shootout against the reigning European champions.