Portuguese football legend Luis Figo recently shared his thoughts on the high-profile transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Speaking in Hong Kong as a Mastercard ambassador, Figo expressed his views on Ronaldo’s departure from Old Trafford, highlighting the complexities of such career moves in football.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, made headlines with his switch to Al Nassr following a turbulent end to his time at Manchester United. His relationship with the club soured, particularly with manager Erik Ten Hag, leading to an explosive TV interview where Ronaldo expressed feelings of betrayal and a lack of respect for Ten Hag. This marked the end of his second tenure at United, where he had previously achieved remarkable success, including three Premier League titles and a Champions League win.
Figo, acknowledging Ronaldo’s prolific scoring record even as he ages, questioned the wisdom of Manchester United’s decision to let him go. He pointed out that Ronaldo’s performance post-departure, including an impressive goal tally at Al Nassr, should be considered when evaluating United’s choice. Figo emphasized Ronaldo’s continued ability to perform and score, asserting that he is a player any team would want.
Ronaldo’s career has continued to flourish in Saudi Arabia, with 32 goals in 37 appearances for Al Nassr. Meanwhile, Manchester United has struggled to regain the dominance they enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson. Figo’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate about balancing managerial decisions with the value veteran players bring to a team.
In addition to discussing Ronaldo’s club career, Figo touched upon his national team prospects. Ronaldo, who has amassed over 200 caps for Portugal, shows no signs of slowing down. Recently reinstated in the national team lineup after being benched during the World Cup, Ronaldo appears set to play in the upcoming European Championship. Figo even speculated about Ronaldo participating in his sixth World Cup in 2026, at the age of 41, contingent on his physical condition and desire to continue playing at a high level.
Figo, who himself nearly moved to Saudi Arabia in 2007, expressed support for footballers making career choices that align with their personal and professional goals. He emphasized that such decisions should always be about what feels right for the player’s career, whether it involves playing at different levels or exploring new challenges in diverse leagues.
Luis Figo’s insights offer a unique perspective on the dynamics of football transfers, the importance of player-manager relationships, and the considerations that elite athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo face in shaping their illustrious careers.
READ MORE: