Cristiano Ronaldo was presented with great fanfare at his new club Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
“My job is done in Europe. I’ve won everything, I’ve played for the biggest clubs. Now I have a new mission in Asia,” Ronaldo said at his first press conference on Tuesday night.
At Real Madrid, Juventus Turin or Manchester United he “broke a lot of records, I want to do that here too.”
When asked about his contract, which should bring him around 500 million euros by mid-2025, he explained: “I’m a unique player.” A unique contract is therefore “normal” for him.
Cristiano Ronaldo confirms offers from “Europe, Brazil, Australia and the USA”
He had “many opportunities”, received “offers from many clubs in Europe, Brazil, Australia and the USA”, “but I chose this club,” said the 37-year-old Portuguese, who died during the World Cup in November his club Manchester United had been kicked out.
For him, the move to the leaders of the Saudi Pro League is “an opportunity to help, contribute my experience and let the club grow”. Football has “changed in the last 10, 15 years”, the teams outside of Europe are now much further along.
Cristiano Ronaldo “greatly welcomed” in Saudi Arabia
During the so-called press conference, where no questions were asked by journalists, Ronaldo received warm cheers.
“We love you, Ronaldo,” came the voice from the plenum. His typical exclamation “Siiiiuuuu” was also made by some viewers. “I’ve had a great reception here,” said Ronaldo.
The goalscorer had previously passed the medical check, after which he appeared in his yellow and blue jersey with the number seven to the thousands of Al-Nassr fans at the Msool Park stadium.