RHYAD – In a deal estimated to be far more than 200 million euros, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia on Friday, the club said, ending speculation regarding his future.
The 37-year-old signed a contract extending through June 2025.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star expressed excitement in learning about a new football league in a distant nation.
On the back of his favorite number seven-printed shirt, the Portuguese star was seen on the Twitter feed of Al Nassr holding it.
He continued, “The idea that Al Nassr runs under is really motivating, and I am thrilled to join my teammates so that together we can assist the team achieve greater success.”
The most recent Saudi Arabian League title for the 9 times champions Al Nassr came in 2019 and with Ronaldo in their ranks, they will be aiming for special things again.
After a year in which he was cast loose by Manchester United and demoted to Portugal’s bench during the World Cup 2022 tourney, Ronaldo is headed to the Gulf for a new lease of life.
Following an explosive TV interview with Piers Morgan in which the veteran forward claimed to feel “betrayed” by the club and had no regard for coach Erik ten Hag, United cut ties with the Portuguese legend.
Ronaldo’s contract was cancelled by United while he was competing for Portugal at the World Cup.
