23 December 2023 , 22:38
383
0
Frank Warren has revealed he is "working" on a potential deal which would see Cristiano Ronaldo return to the Premier League after a successful spell in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo has been in sensational form for Al-Nassr so far this season, scoring 17 goals and grabbing nine assists in 16 Saudi Pro League matches. He is the outright top scorer in the Saudi top-flight, with ex-Fulham star Alexander Mitrovic (16) in second and former Tottenham winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou in third (14).
But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League - 12 months since joining Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United. Newcastle have been namechecked as a possible suitor for Ronaldo in January, with the Magpies and Al-Nassr both owned by Public Investment Fund (PIF).
A move has been touted for the winter window and boxing promoter Warren has admitted - albeit with tongue firmly in cheek - that he is trying to secure a route back to England for Ronaldo, who has 103 Premier League goals during his career. "Working on it," Warren tweeted after a video emerged of him joking "he's signing for Arsenal" as Ronaldo sat and laughed.
Warren was sat next to Ronaldo at the 'Day of Reckoning' boxing event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Anthony Joshua was fighting in the main event against Otto Wallin, while the likes of Deontay Wilder and Daniel Dubois were involved on the undercard.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
Speaking back in October on his future, Ronaldo said: "Things have happened in my life, both on a personal and professional level, that make me think more in the short term nowadays. People say I’m going to play on until I’m 40 or 41 years old. I don’t set these targets. It’s a question of just enjoying the moment, which is a good moment.
Frank Warren joked he is "working" on a Premier League return for Cristiano Ronaldo (Queensbury)"I feel good. My body is responding to how I’ve treated it over the years. I’m happy both at my club and in the Selecao. I’ve scored plenty of goals, I feel in good shape physically. It’s a question of enjoying the moment."
Ronaldo has shone for Al-Nassr, who currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League table, 10 points behind runaway leaders Al-Hilal. Luis Castro's side strengthened in the summer, with Sadio Mane, Seko Fofana, Aymeric Laporte and Marcelo Brozovic bolstering their squad they try and challenge for the title.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 17 Saudi Pro League goals this season (Getty Images)Despite Ronaldo's impressive form, Castro believes there is more to come from the 38-year-old in Saudi Arabia. "For Ronaldo to reach his full potential, we must build a team around him to enhance his capabilities, Castro said. "We cannot have a powerful car and want to drive it on a road full of potholes."