Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary forward, has officially found a new club, signing with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr following the 2022 FIFA World Cup in a deal worth more than $200 million, according to reports. The contract will keep the 37-year-old at the club until 2025.
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
The Portugal legend’s relationship with Manchester United deteriorated following his comments in an interview with Piers Morgan last year, resulting in the club’s decision to terminate his contract.
The two-and-a-half-year deal with Al-Nassr, on the other hand, will help to heal some of the scars left by the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which ended in tears for Ronaldo and Portugal in the quarterfinals. With teams returning from the World Cup break and club soccer restarted, the question now is when Ronaldo will begin playing for Al Nassr. Many World Cup players are still making their way back to their teams.
When will Cristiano Ronaldo make his debut for Al- Nassr?
The Portuguese superstar will be able to play as soon as the transfer window opens and he is registered with the club on January 1, 2023. Cristiano was bound to miss the Saudi Pro League 2022-23 game against Al Khaleej on the concluding day of the year due to transfer window limitations.
He will be able to play for Al-Nassr beginning in 2023. The Portuguese star is likely to start practicing after New Year’s Eve and play his debut match against Al-Tai FC at home on Thursday, January 5.
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Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to make his debut for Al Nassr on 5th January in their game against Al Tai.
[@DiMarzio] pic.twitter.com/CRwZdhb0ol
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) January 1, 2023
As reported by renowned journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the match against Al Tai FC on January 5 is supposed to be Ronaldo’s debut, although the superstar forward might also wait until January 14 to face league leaders Al Shabab. The game versus Al Shabab is likely to determine the top spot in the Saudi Pro League, with the two clubs vying for first place in the table.
Who are Cristiano Ronaldo’s new teammates?
Ronaldo will be joined by Brazilian Luiz Gustavo, who won the UEFA Champions League and the German Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. Former Arsenal and Napoli goalkeeper David Ospina is also on the team. Then there’s Vincent Aboubakar, their key striker who won the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon in 2017.
The 30-year-old was also named captain of his country for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In addition, six Saudi players from the Al-Nassr lineup represented their country at the Qatar World Cup.
Ronaldo will be coached by Rudi Garcia of France and teamed by Alvaro Gonzalez at Al-Nassr. After concluding his career in France, the central defender moved to Saudi Arabia last summer. David Ospina’s presence is also prominent. Last summer, the Colombian goalkeeper chose to accept the Saudi Arabian offer after his contract with Napoli expired.