For Portugal captain and Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo, it has been a week to remember in his international career. The Portuguese forward scored 4 goals in 2 games for the Selecao das Quinas as they booked their place at Euro 2024 following back-to-back victories against Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. However, things weren’t so smooth for the soccer veteran at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, something which his sister Katia Aveiro has brought to light recently.

Shortly following Katia’s heartfelt post to praise her brother Cristiano Ronaldo after being snubbed for the Ballon d’Or, the Portugal star’s sister shared a private message she sent to Ronaldo on the day of Portugal’s match against Morroco in the Quarter Finals in Qatar on 10th December 2022.

Katia Aveiro unveils the message that she sent to CR7 before WC quarter-final

Katia Aveiro heaped praise on her brother earlier this week saying, “Aged 38, he is the world’s top scorer in 2023. No way a 38-year-old athlete can play what he’s playing.” She further added, “Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 73 goals for Portugal since turning 30. That would make him the all-time top scorer for Germany, France, Italy, England, Spain and 187 other nations. Small thing, right???” These comments came right after reports emerged claiming that Lionel Messi would be winning the Ballon d’Or.

However, CR7’s sister has just revealed another piece of advice that she gave the soccer veteran during the World Cup. Just before Portugal’s crunch tie against Morocco in the quarter-finals, Katia sent a private post and message to her brother, which she has just revealed.

Katia wrote, “I sent him this. On 12/10/2022. Every sowing has its harvest. It’s not bad to cry, it’s not bad to fall, it’s not bad to kneel in your pain. God always honors his own and those who don’t even believe,”

Unfortunately, Portugal would go on to lose the game 1-0 to an inspired Moroccan side and subsequently crash out of the World Cup, which many would argue was perhaps Ronaldo’s last appearance at the World Cup.

Also Read: “You Never Know” – Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo Could Buy 117YO Boyhood Club, Says Mother Dolores

However, in true Cristiano Ronaldo fashion, the Portuguese icon has suggested that he could play in the 2026 World Cup which is set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This news followed reports that the Portugal captain was looking at extending his contract at Al Nassr till 2027.

Cristiano Ronaldo aims to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Ronaldo is reportedly eyeing an extension to his current contract with Al Nassr that expires in 2025. As per reports, the Portuguese icon has informed the Al Nassr board that he is looking to extend his stay in Saudi Arabia up until 2027 in a fresh $500 million deal.

While it is debatable, Cristiano Ronaldo perhaps reckons that continuing in Saudi Arabia can help him maintain his fitness and performance levels and play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite him being 41 by the time the tournament kicks off.

Despite jibes from pundits and his former teammates, like Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo continues to deliver for both club and country. The Al Nassr forward scored a brace in each of Portugal’s last 2 games in the Euro 2024 qualifiers as he led his country to qualification. Given Ronaldo’s renaissance despite being 38, it’s certain that he is looking to push on and captain Portugal at the 2026 World Cup as well.

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