Star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo completed a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Friday. In what could be the final contract of his career, Ronaldo’s deal with the Saudi giants is believed to be worth more than 200 million euros.
The club posted pictures on social media of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner holding up the team’s jersey. Ronaldo, 37, has penned a contract until June 2025 as the club hailed the move as ‘history in the making’.
“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 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.
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 @AlNassrFC pic.twitter.com/oan7nu8NWC
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) December 30, 2022
Ronaldo’s World Cup dream ended in quarter-finals as he started on bench
Ronaldo heads to the Gulf after a year that saw him relegated to the bench for Portugal and cut adrift by Manchester United.
United parted ways with the Portuguese star after the veteran forward gave an explosive TV interview in which he said he felt “betrayed” by the club and had no respect for coach Erik ten Hag. United terminated his contract while Ronaldo was with Portugal at the World Cup.
Ronaldo’s quest for a World Cup winners’ medal started well as he became the first player to score in five global tournaments when he converted a penalty in their win against Ghana.
But he was left out of the starting line-up for their last-16 clash as Portugal ripped Switzerland apart. When Portugal lost to Morocco in the quarter-finals, he started on the bench and ended the tournament in tears.
Meanwhile, Twitter was abuzz with reactions on Ronaldo’s signing. Here are some of the Tweets:
I am genuinely happy for @Cristiano. After winning everything in club football, it is time to win the bag and secure his future. Great decision. ?
— Dr. August Bones (@Ausbones) December 31, 2022
always been a fan of Al Nassr since the beginning fr ?
— armand.? (@armvnddd) December 31, 2022
#CristianoRonaldo joined Saudi club #AlNassr and contract valid till 2025 as a result Al-Nassr have DOUBLED their followers in #instagram just a few hours since announcing the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo ?#Ronaldo #Portugal
— Aryaman Raj Tiwari (@itsaryantiwari) December 31, 2022
Never wanted this to happen? where ever he goes, ill keep supporting him no matter what! The mr.champions league will surely be missed ?#CristianoRonaldo #CristianoRonaldo #AlNassr #GOAT https://t.co/3XV4XK4aql
— Bilal Frz (@BilalFairoos) December 31, 2022
Thank You Legend ?? @Cristiano #GGMU
— Shanks (@Rhmdiaaa) December 31, 2022
The End @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/sU7OyxRuTP
— ????????? ?????????? (@nobil2022) December 31, 2022
Ronaldo ended GOAT debate by joining al -Nasr ?#CristianoRonaldo #CR7? #Ronaldo #Ronaldo?
— King ' the run machine ' (@king_runmachine) December 31, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo has won everything there is to win in football except a world cup, which he can no longer win. In all honesty, football now is actually all about money for him and the Saudi move is not really out of order. Just my personal opinion. ?????
— Shubham (@professor_WTAF) December 31, 2022
He couldn't leave in the summer because NO club was interesting in him.
— Ethan Nathan (@Ethan210120) December 31, 2022
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo will inspire millions of Saudi Arabia football and their league.
— JamesMarySpeaks (@EzobaJames) December 31, 2022
Nothing but thank you from my heart.
Thank you for existing Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro ?? #Ronaldo? #CR7? pic.twitter.com/plzedld8Ls
— Pranav (@deadlysuperbat) December 31, 2022
