The transfer sensation is finally perfect as Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Saudi club Al-Nassr FC. After several media had previously reported that the deal was sealed, the club confirmed the newcomer in the evening with a photo on Twitter.
After starting his career at Sporting CP and the illustrious stations of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus Turin and most recently ManUnited again, Cristiano Ronaldo is now drawn to the football no-man’s-land Saudi Arabia. There, the 37-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al-Nassr FC.
On the club’s Twitter account, Ronaldo poses with his iconic number seven shirt. The post is mistaken with the words: “The greatest athlete in the world signs.”
“More than history is being made here. This is a commitment that will not only inspire our club to even greater success, but will also inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls, to be the best version of themselves to be,” Al-Nassr also explained on Instagram. Ronaldo posted the identical statement.
Ronaldo is quoted as saying: “I’m excited for a new experience in a new league and in a different country. The vision that Al-Nassr has is inspiring.”
Both the Saudi-funded news channel “Al-Arabiya” and, a little later, “CBS Sports” previously reported that the deal had gone through. However, both broadcasters did not name specific sources.
According to the reports, Ronaldo will initially be active as a player for two and a half years and then as an ambassador for the World Cup bid. Saudi Arabia is joining forces with Egypt and Greece to host the 2030 world title fights.
Titles pave Cristiano Ronaldo’s path
Services that Ronaldo should be paid handsomely with 200 million euros per year. Among other things, the “Daily Mail” wants to have found out. Accordingly, the contract runs for a total of seven years, and the salary of the five-time world footballer should increase as the length of stay progresses.
Ronaldo made over 1,000 appearances in his career, scoring an incredible 311 goals in 292 league games for Real Madrid and winning trophies with each of his clubs. Highlights of his career are five Champions League wins (2008 with Manchester United, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with Real Madrid) and the European Championship title with Portugal in 2016.
However, his last engagement at Manchester United ended in a debacle. Ultimately, it was agreed that the contract would be terminated early. There was also a blow to the neck at the 2022 World Cup when Ronaldo was not in the starting lineup several times.
The move to Saudi Arabia means a definitive farewell to the big sporting arena. However, one may question the motivation of the veteran, who could continue to earn many millions with his name alone, even if his career ended.