Star Portuguese midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo started a new journey in his football career as he was unveiled as a player for Al-Nassr in Saudi Pro League on January 3, 2023. After playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, Ronaldo is now signed on a two and a half year contract with the Saudi Pro League club which turned out to be one of the most surprising transfers for the fans and pundits in recent times.
Notably, Al-Nassr made an offer to Cristiano Ronaldo to join the club during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, the deal wasn’t confirmed until December 30, 2022. After that, Ronaldo flew to Riyadh’s King Khalid International airport, where he and his family received a warm welcome by the Saudi football fans. The historic transfer was expected to increase the hype of the sport in the Saudi country, and it has done just that. Apart from that, it also turned out to be a big transfer for Al-Nassr which was little known club outside Asia.
I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life: Ronaldo on joining Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo revealed that he also got offers from different clubs in Europe, Brazil, Australia, America, and Portugal, but he turned them down due to giving his word to Al-Nassr. The 2.5-year deal was reporteldy worth up to €200m (£177m) a year including commercial agreements. With this, Ronaldo also became the highest-paid footballer in the history of the sport.
“I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe my work is done. I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe. This is a new challenge,” Ronaldo was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
“Nobody knows this, but I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia, America, Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me. I gave my word to this club. I want to give a different vision of this country and football. This is why I took this opportunity,” he added.
