Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he will remain in Saudi Arabia next season despite failing to win any silverware in his first season with Al Nassr.

Ronaldo’s January transfer to Al Nassr has been followed by rumours regarding the length of his stay, including rumours of a swap deal with Saudi-owned Newcastle United, who have qualified for the Champions League next season.

But the 38-year-old said in an official Saudi Pro League interview: “I am happy here, I want to continue here, I will continue here.

“And in my opinion if they continue to do the work that they want to do here, for the next five years, I think the Saudi league can be a top five league in the world.”

Ronaldo’s 14 goals in 16 league appearances were not enough for the Riyadh club, a favourite of some senior Saudi royals, to finish in first place.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus striker reportedly signed a two-and-a-half year contract worth more than 400 million euros in January.

He admitted that some Saudi conventions, such as late-night training sessions during the month of Ramadan, had surprised him.

“In Europe we train more in the morning, but here we train in the afternoon, or evening and in Ramadan we train at 10 at night,” he said.

“So this is so strange, but as I tell you these situations are part of an experience, memories. I like to live these moments because you learn with these things.”

He added: “I expected to win something this year, but we didn’t, but next year I am really positive and confident that things will change, and we go in a better way.”