Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has now bid adieu to European football and signed for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. At his unveiling, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said that he considers the Saudi Pro League to be a very competitive one.
With his Saudi Arabian contract, Ronaldo is now the highest-paid athlete in history. He is set to earn $75 million every year till 2025. Regarding his contract, the 2016 Euro winner said, “The numbers of this contract are unique because I am a unique player. It’s normal for me, I’m here to break records and help the movement”.
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In the press conference that followed his introduction, CR7 said, “My work in Europe is done as I played at the best clubs in the world… and I won everything. I’m happy, proud to join Al Nassr”.
He further added, “Many people speak… but they know nothing about football. I know the Saudi Leave is very competitive, I saw many games, I’m happy and proud here”.
Ronaldo also insisted that he had offers from various clubs in Europe, Brazil, and the United States, but he joined Al-Nassr since he had given his word to the club.
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Despite Ronaldo’s comments, it has widely been known that his manager Jorge Mendes had been offering him since before the ongoing season began to various European clubs that are in the Champions League. Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich refused to sign the superstar.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s executive board member Axel Hellman had earlier said regarding Ronaldo’s transfer, “He was even offered to us,” further adding, “I have the feeling he was offered to every Champions League club.”
Rudi Garcia, the coach of Al-Nassr, was also excited at the prospect of working with an all-time great: “In my life, I’ve seen that great players like Cristiano are the simplest to manage, because there’s nothing I can teach him,” adding, “Like he said, we are here to win, nothing else. I want him to enjoy playing with Al Nassr and winning with Al Nassr, just that.”
