Portugal Star Cristiano ‘Ronaldo’ on Friday signed for the Saudi Arabian Club Al Nassr, the club announced, in a deal believed to be amazingly worth more than 200 million euros.
“I can’t wait to discover a new football league in a different country,” said the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player.
The Portuguese star was pictured on the Al Nassr Twitter feed holding a blue and yellow shirt with his favoured number seven printed on the back.
“The vision with which Al Nassr operates is very inspiring, and I am delighted to join my teammates, so that together we can help the team achieve greater success,” he added.
Al Nassr have won nine Saudi Arabian league titles, the last in 2019.
“This is more than history in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome @cristiano to your new home @alnassr_fc,” tweeted the Saudis.
After being benched by Portugal and let go by Manchester United, Ronaldo is off to the Gulf.
After the veteran attacker gave an angry TV interview in which he claimed to feel “betrayed” by the team and had little regard for coach Erik ten Hag, United cut ties with the Portuguese icon.
Even though Ronaldo was playing for Portugal at the World Cup, Man United ended his contract.
When he converted a penalty in their victory over Ghana, Ronaldo became the first player to score in five international competitions, kicking off his journey toward a World Cup victory medal.
However, Portugal destroyed Switzerland, and he was not included in the starting lineup for their round of 16 match.
He started on the bench for Portugal’s quarterfinal match against Morocco and left the competition in tears.
‘Ronaldo’ has consistently ranked among the highest-paid football players.
His pay at Juventus was reportedly 31 million euros, but the Turin club’s financial records are being looked into because they may have understated the amount of money given to players.
Despite taking a wage cut to rejoin United, he was still among the highest-paid players in Europe with reports placing his basic yearly income between 15 million and 28 million euros, before bonuses.
Ronaldo was linked to a number of Champions League contenders as his relationship with United deteriorated, including Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Napoli.
As his relationship with United soured, Ronaldo was linked to a string of Champions League contenders including Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Napoli.
A return to his first club Sporting in Lisbon was also rumoured. There was talk of a move to the MLS to join Inter Miami, part-owned by former United team mate David Beckham. None of those deals came to fruition.
United decided his diminishing contribution coupled with his growing and public dissatisfaction made him a pricey luxury they no longer needed.
