Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has completed a transfer to Saudi-based Al Nassr.
Ronaldo was strongly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League side after his second spell at Manchester United ended in acrimonious fashion in late November with his contract terminated by the Red Devils shortly after the start of the World Cup in Qatar.
“History in the making,” Al Nassr tweeted.
“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.”
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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
According to reliable football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the deal will see Ronaldo pocket close to €200m a year, inclusive of commercial deals.
Ronaldo speaking on the Al Nassr move said, “I’m thrilled for a new experience in a different league and a different country, the vision that Al Nassr has is very inspiring.
“I’m very excited to join my teammates, and to help the team to achieve more success”.
Ronaldo’s move is seen as effectively bringing down the curtain on one of the greatest careers in the history of elite European Football.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has lifted the Champions League trophy on five occasions four times with Real Madrid and once with United, while his tally of 140 goals is the highest recorded in Europe’s premier club competition.
Ronaldo is also Madrid’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals, while he became the highest-scoring player in the history of men’s international football last year he now has 118 senior goals for Portugal.
