Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer a free agent after agreeing to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and become the best-paid footballer of all time
Eager Al-Nassr fans started getting their hands on shirts bearing the name of Cristiano Ronaldo before his transfer was officially announced on Friday night.
The Portugal international, 37, has been unveiled as an Al-Nassr player after agreeing a two-year deal. He was a free agent after his Manchester United contract was terminated by mutual consent last month following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo has been biding his time over a decision on his next club since Portugal’s quarter-final exit from the World Cup – but has made up his mind. Despite insisting he wanted to continue playing at the top level, he will represent Al-Nassr into his forties.
Reports on Friday morning suggested Ronaldo would be formally announced as an Al-Nassr player after their game against Al-Khaleej on Saturday. That sparked excitement among Al-Nassr fans, who raced to the club store to purchase a the player’s shirt.
Dozens of supporters were seen purchasing Ronaldo famous No.7 jersey on Friday. Those fans who decided to act ahead of the confirmation were rewarded when Al-Nassr brought news of the transfer forward by 24 hours to silence speculation on social media.
Al-Nassr have not confirmed how long Ronaldo’s contract will last for, but it’s believed he will play for the club until June 2025. He turns 40 in the February of that year.
In terms of salary, Ronaldo is expected to earn around £173million per year – making him the world’s best-paid footballer. That figure includes image rights and commercial deals, with the veteran set to be involved in Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia are considering launching an inter-continental bid with Egypt and Greece. That puts Ronaldo in a slightly awkward position, as Portugal are also aiming to host that tournament alongside Spain and Ukraine. The hosts will be chosen in 2024.
Ronaldo’s wages have increased significantly following is move to Al-Nassr, as he reportedly took home around £26m per year during his time at Old Trafford. To put this into perspective, Ronaldo was the best-paid player in the Premier League until last month.
“Al-Nassr’s vision is very inspiring and impressive,” said Ronaldo at his unveiling. “I look forward to a different league experience in a different country. I am excited to join my team-mates as soon as possible.”
Al-Nassr’s club statement read: “This is more than 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.”
Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia as one of the greatest footballers of all time after winning a glut of trophies, including seven league titles, five Champions Leagues and Euro 2016. He’s also scored more than 800 goals at club and international level.
Src: Mirror.co.uk
