AFP / Oli SCARFF
KEY POINTS
- Cristiano Ronaldo has no regrets about signing with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia
- Al-Nassr signed him to a massive deal that will see him earn $211.3 million a year as a whole
- Ronaldo also confirmed the interest of other bigger leagues, but felt Saudi Arabia was the best for him
Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially taken his talents to Saudi Arabia after being revealed to the public as the newest acquisition for Saudi Professional League side Al-Nassr and he has no regrets about making the leap.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted during the press conference that his escapades around Europe eventually had to come to an end, before eventually settling with Al-Nassr.
“I can say now that many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, in Australia, the US, and even in Portugal many clubs tried to sign me, but I gave my word to this club… For me, it’s a good challenge. I know what I want and I know, of course, what I don’t want as well,” Ronaldo stated.
Ronaldo has long been connected with Al-Nassr for a transfer since leaving Manchester United and it was revealed in early December that it was only a matter of time until the move came to fruition according to Marca journalist Jose Felix Diaz.
The Portuguese superstar initially declined such notions since his team was still in the thick of things at the 2022 World Cup after defeating Switzerland 6-1 in the Round of 16.
But following their tightly contested 1-0 loss to Morocco in the quarterfinals and seeing eternal rival Lionel Messi finally get the World Cup title that eluded both of them, it was back to club soccer matters for “CR7.”
Moving to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s loudest detractors again came for him as talent in the region is objectively a step down from more prominent leagues like in England, Italy and Spain among others in Europe.
The way Ronaldo sees it though, he has full control of his career and what he wants to do with it.
“Many people speak and give their opinion, but they really know nothing about football… For me, it’s not the end of my career. To be honest, I really don’t worry about what people say. I took my decision… I’m really happy to be here,” the former Manchester United man said.
Al-Nassr made Ronaldo the biggest salary ever in the sport of soccer according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano after giving him a deal worth €200 million ($211.3 million) per year–though it includes commercial deals.
According to Mark Ogden of ESPN, Ronaldo’s actual yearly salary is about $75 million, which is still money that should not be scoffed at.
With Ronaldo fully embracing his upcoming run in Saudi Arabia, the soccer world might still see glimpses of greatness that made him a household name.
