Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr
Ronaldo signed a contract with Al-Nassr until 2025. "The greatest athlete in the world officially signed," the club announced on Twitter.
"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," the statement further reads.
"I am happy to have a new experience in another league and another country. Al Nassr's vision is very inspiring. I'm very excited to join my teammates and help the team achieve more success," the six-time Ballon d'Or winner commented.
Ronaldo added: "I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia.
"I am looking forward to joining my new teammates and together with them, help the Club to achieve success."
Fabrizio Romano informs Ronaldo's total salary, including commercial deals, will exceed 200 million euros, making him the highest earner ever in football.
According to media speculation, the Portuguese legend will serve as an ambassador for the 2030 World Cup in Saudi Arabia after his playing contract is up.
Controversial Departure
Ronaldo departed Manchester United last month following an explosive television interview in which the Portuguese forward said he felt betrayed by the club and did not respect their Dutch manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo will arrive in Saudi Arabia with a vast collection of club honours after a glittering spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid from 2009-18 where he won two LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, four Champions League titles and three Club World Cups.
He went on to score a club record 451 times for Real and has more than 800 senior goals overall for club and country.
Ronaldo claimed two Serie A titles and a Copa Italia trophy in three years at Juventus before rejoining United with whom he had bagged three Premier League crowns, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.
He played for Portugal in Qatar, where he became the first player to score in five World Cups after netting a penalty in his side's opening Group H game against Ghana. Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Morocco.
Ronaldo said Qatar would probably be his last World Cup as he plans to retire at 40, with a move to Saudi Arabia likely to mark the swansong in the career of one of the game's greatest current players alongside Lionel Messi.
Al-Nassr, who have won nine Saudi Pro Premier League titles, are hoping Ronaldo can help them win another domestic league title and a first AFC Asian Champions League.
However, the Portuguese forward will miss his first two domestic games after being banned for knocking a phone out of a fan's hand after United's defeat at Everton in April.
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