At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo is still on fire and still attracts interest from European clubs.
In fact, the Portuguese legend has just received one of the most unexpected suggestions of his career and it comes with a Greek twist.
Ronaldo, invited to come to Greece: “Why not Panathinaikos?”
As the Al-Nassr striker nears the end of his contract in Saudi Arabia this summer, speculation around his future is heating up. For the moment, Ronaldo is negotiating an extension of his contract with Al Nassr, as the Saudi club wants to keep him until at least 2027.
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Meanwhile, former Greece captain Giorgos Karagounis, now 48 years old, has added a surprising option for Cristiano Ronaldo: Panathinaikos.
“I’m not sure if we’ll ever see Cristiano Ronaldo at Wrexham,” Karagounis told Spin Genie outlet. “But I’d love to see him in Greece with Panathinaikos. He’s already worn green with Sporting, so why not with Panathinaikos?”
Panathinaikos, a sleeping giant
For the moment, Panathinaikos are no longer among Europe’s elite. But the Athens club, currently sitting second in the Greek league, is a historic team not only in Greece, but also in Europe.
‘The Greens’ have won 20 Greek Championships and 20 Greek Cups, also reaching one Champions Cup final in 1971. Panathinaikos reached the semi-finals in the Champions League in 1996, having played in the Intercontinental Cup – the only Greek club to do so.
During the years, the Greek side has hosted big stars like Djibril Cissé, Gilberto Silva and Michael Essien. Known for their passionate supporters, Panathinaikos could represent an option for Ronaldo if the Portuguese star wants to return to Europe and show the world he’s still got it on the big stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo is on fire in Saudi Arabia
Until a decision is made, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is still going strong in Saudi Arabia. He scored 32 goals in 36 matches for Al-Nassr this season, also offering four assists. Currently earning around €200 million per year in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo is reportedly set for a pay raise.
But more important than the lucrative salary, Ronaldo will be looking for regular football at a competitive level. He dreams of leading Portugal to the 2026 World Cup, possibly his last big tournament.
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