Cristiano Ronaldo believes he is now “a better man” after his transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and following his public fall out with former club Manchester United.
The Portugal superstar, speaking ahead of A Seleção’s opening Euro 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein tonight, maintains he has no regrets as to what happened in his final few months as a United player.
“Now I’m a better man,” Ronaldo said. “I have no problem saying I had a bad phase of my career, but there’s no time for regrets.
“Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth. When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below.
“Now, I’m more prepared and learning that was important, because I had never been through this, like in the last few months.”
This is the first time the 38-year-old has spoken of his Old Trafford exit since the Qatar World Cup, where he stated the chapter was “closed”.
Since then, the Portuguese forward has secured a move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr, and has started his life in the middle east with nine goals in his opening eight Saudi Pro league games, including a hat-trick against Damac FC and a poker against Al-Wehda FC.
Now, with a game coming up against Lichtenstein where he would break the record for most international appearances in men’s football, Ronaldo believes he still has a lot to offer his country.
“It’s a different chapter for all of us. The energies are good, positive, and that’s the most important thing,” he said.
There’s fresh air now, different ideas and mentalities.
“It was all in the balance after the World Cup. I reflected with my family and then we came to the conclusion that it was not time to throw in the towel.
“I learned a lot from it and I’m very happy to be back. The coach says he wants me in the squad. I feel that I still have a lot to give and I want to keep it going.”
