Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled as the new Al Nassr player on Tuesday after he completed his mammoth €500m to the club. The Portugal captain has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at the club which will see him pocket a mindboggling pay cheque of €200-per-year. The Saudi club have thus made Ronaldo the highest paid athlete in the world right now and also in the history of any sport.
However, the move did come as a shocker for many since Ronaldo had expressed his desire to continue in Europe for at least another one or two years. But he put an end to his trophy-laden European expedition which spanned across two decades and spells at some of Europe’s top clubs. The Portuguese spoke in a press conference for the time since joining Al Nassr where he revealed he still had offers to continue in Europe, as well as some from MLS, Australia and Brazil.
Cristiano Ronaldo explains why he chose Saudi over other offers
Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier dubbed his move to Al Nassr as an “inspiring” one rather than a career ending spell. While one of the inspirations behind the move is certainly the hefty wages which he is going to pocket over the course of next two-and-a-half-years, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner also shared why he decided it was time for an Asian journey than staying in Europe or move to the MLS as many stars of the game have previously done. Ronaldo said:
“It’s not the end of my career in Saudi Arabia. Many people speak… but they know nothing about football. I know here the league is very competitive. I don’t care about people saying things about this choice. I took my decision, I am happy. For me, this is a great opportunity in football and to change the mentality of the new generation.
“Nobody knew, but I can say now, I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs, in Brazil, in Australia, the US, even in Portugal there were many clubs that tried to sign me. But I gave my word to this club, for the opportunity to develop not only the football but the other part of this amazing country.
“My work in Europe is done. I played at the best clubs in the world… and I won everything. I’m happy, proud to join Al Nassr. People don’t know about the level here. This contract is unique because I am a unique player. It’s normal for me. For me it is a good challenge.
“I know what I want and, of course, what I don’t want as well. So for me, it is a good chance to change, help, with my experience and knowledge to grow many important points. Also, I want to give a different vision of the country, the football and the perspective of everybody and this is why I took this opportunity.”
Thousands of fans were in attendance at the club’s home stadium Mrsool Park where Ronaldo’s unveiling as their new player took place. The club’s official store was also flocked by hundreds of them waiting to get their hands on Ronaldo’s brand new number-7 Al Nassr shirt. He will now join the club’s training and is expected to make his debut on January 14 in the derby against Al-Shabab.