'He is done at the highest level' - Arsenal icon throws shade at Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit believes Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to sign a new two-year contract with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr, extending his stay beyond his 42nd birthday, "confirmed he is done at the highest level" of European football.

Ronaldo's future had been the subject of much speculation, with reports linking him to various clubs globally, including those participating in the FIFA Club World Cup.

However, the Portuguese superstar put an end to the rumors by committing to Al-Nassr, where he continues to operate on record-breaking financial terms in the Middle East.

Speaking to EscapistMagazine, Emmanuel Petit, a Premier League title winner who once faced off against Ronaldo revealed that the Portuguese is done competing at highest level.

He said, "Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he is done at the highest level with his new Saudi deal, but he confirmed that when he left Manchester United.

"Having said that, no one could have matched the crazy money he is being paid, but at 40 he is still playing well and performing for the national team. I expect to see him at the World Cup next year but I’m not shocked he is staying in Saudi, no one could’ve matched those terms. They are crazy,” he said.

Ronaldo's extended contract with Al-Nassr is reportedly worth a staggering £492 million ($668m) over two years.

This makes him the top-earning athlete in world sport, a position he is set to enhance further as he chases his ultimate target of reaching 1,000 career goals.

As of early June 2025, Ronaldo had accumulated 938 official career goals for club and country, needing just 62 more to reach the unprecedented milestone.