Cristiano Ronaldo ran into the Mrsool Park stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday before a packed crowd of fans delighted to see that he has signed with Al Nassr.
Ronaldo has reportedly reached a value of $75 million per season over the next two and a half years with Al Nassr after parting ways with Premier League side Manchester United last month. The club made the announcement Friday with Ronaldo’s official welcome press conference on Tuesday.
«Well, so far I feel really good,» Ronaldo said via Marca. «I am very proud to make this great decision in my life, in football.»
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Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo takes part in a team training session after its inauguration at Mrsool Park stadium on January 3, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
(Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Ronaldo also mentioned that, in his eyes, his days playing football in Europe are complete.
«As you mentioned before, in Europe, my job is done,» he said. «I won everything. I played for the biggest clubs in Europe and for me now it’s a new challenge, as you mentioned in Asia. I’m grateful that Al Nassr gave me this opportunity…»
Ronaldo also added that teams from around the world called when it was clear his days with Manchester United were numbered.
CRISTIANO RONALDO SIGNS A $75 MILLION AGREEMENT PER SEASON WITH THE CLUB DE ÁRABE SAUDI
«I can say now that many opportunities arose in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, in Australia, the United States and even in Portugal, but I gave this club my word,» Ronaldo explained.
«My contract is unique because I am a unique player.»
Al Nassr president Musalli Al Muammar Ronaldo does not want any special treatment.
«Ronaldo asked during the negotiations to be treated like the rest of his teammates, in terms of rewards and club regulations,» he said.
Cristiano Ronaldo smiles as he is introduced as an Al Nassr player at Mrsool Park Stadium on January 3, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
(Khalid Alhaj/MB Media/Getty Images)
Al Nassr is one of the most successful clubs in Asia, with nine league titles. The two sides talked over the summer, but Ronaldo tried to make it work in Europe.
Now, Ronaldo is expected to play a role in securing Saudi Arabia’s 2030 FIFA World Cup bid.
THE WORLD CUP STAGE WAS SET FOR A CRISTIANO RONALDO HERO MOMENT, BUT IT NEVER ARRIVED
Ronaldo’s contract with Manchester United was terminated after he criticized the team in an explosive television interview, saying he felt «betrayed» by the club and claimed senior officials had tried to force him out. He also added that he «had no respect» for coach Erik ten Hag.
In the World Cup with Portugal, Ronaldo scored just one goal, from a penalty, in five games. He ended up losing his starting role as well.
Cristiano Ronaldo attends a press conference during the official introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo as an Al Nassr player at Mrsool Park Stadium on January 3, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
(Khalid Alhaj/MB Media/Getty Images)
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With Man U, Ronaldo also scored just one goal in 10 games after adding 18 in 30 games during the 2021-22 season.