Cristiano Ronaldo has finally found his next club! CR7 pushed his release from Manchester United just before FIFA World Cup 2022. At the time, fans were expecting to see him play for a top European club. Many were expecting a Champions League club to enter the race to sign the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner. However, fans can stop their speculations, as Ronaldo officially signs for Al-Nassr.
OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo signs for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr as a free agent 🚨 pic.twitter.com/r83GJpvDlh
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 30, 2022
Earlier in December, a report from Marca added that Cristiano had signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Saudi Arabian club. But, some contradicting reports suggested that Ronaldo was in negotiation with a Champions League club. However, that ultimately did not turn out to be true as Ronaldo finalizes a deal with Al-Nassr for a reported $200 million salary per year!
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
It makes him the highest-paid player in the history of soccer, blowing out the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi. It is certainly a historic deal, which will see a player of Ronaldo’s stature playing in the Saudi Pro League. The man himself is certainly more than excited to start the new journey of his career at a completely new league.
In a statement, Ronaldo added, “I’m thrilled for a new experience in a different league and a different country, the vision that Al Nassr has is very inspiring… I’m very excited to join my teammates, and to help the team to achieve more success”. (h/t via @FabrizioRomano)
Fans react to Cristiano Ronaldo finally signing for Saudi soccer club Al-Nassr
Despite the lucrative financial opportunities, the announcement did not go down well with soccer fans. Cristiano is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever play the sport. Except for a World Cup trophy, Ronaldo has won every possible trophy in his career. For almost two decades, Ronaldo ruled the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A.
On top of that, he is also a 5-time Champions League winner as well. Even in the 2021-22 season, Ronaldo scored 24 goals for Manchester United at the highest level. However, the 2022-23 season has been a horror show for Ronaldo, who had a tough time breaking into the first at both Man United and Portugal. It appears that Cristiano’s days of ruling the world soccer are finally over.
After the news, his die-hard fans were left heartbroken as they could not believe Ronaldo’s decision. Some fans have even implied that Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi League is another way for him to announce his retirement from the sport.
Here are some fan reactions about the matter
It’s a sad day for football pic.twitter.com/y9cAdqoSkB
— 🏴 (@LJGLA_) December 30, 2022
What is this simulation
— george (@StokeyyG2) December 30, 2022
Wow
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) December 30, 2022
My dude is gonna be using part of that $200MM/year salary to fly back to Portugal at the end of every game and show up an hour before kick off 🤣
— Sam Farahzad (@sf14) December 30, 2022
This guy 🤣 spoke about standards in his interview about United then goes Saudi for the £££
— Ryan (@rxnpixels) December 30, 2022
Really wanted him to still be in Europe at least, damn
— Mod (@CFCMod_) December 30, 2022
This didn’t age well pic.twitter.com/rlzONOdjFY
— RΛISINI ライシニ (@iamraisini) December 30, 2022
Mad.
— Rhys (@RhysJonesJourno) December 30, 2022
Terrible news. This is effectively Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement. It’s been a pleasure watching him on the pitch all these years. One of the best to ever play the sport. 👏
— Daniel Berki (@itsdanielberki) December 30, 2022
European media did not respect Ronaldo nearing the end of his career. He could have finished his career there, he still can but chose not to. Now, he gets the last laugh all the way to the bank. Historic moment!
— Tallie Dar (@talliedar) December 30, 2022
I see Ronaldo has retired.
— Andy Goldstein MBE (@andygoldstein05) December 30, 2022
Although Cristiano Ronaldo is not on the European scene any longer, he has not revealed his future in the national team. After Portugal’s shock exit from FIFA World Cup 2022, Ronaldo left the field in tears. So it remains to be seen if he ever dons his national jersey in the future.
What is your take on Cristiano Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr? Let us know in the comments down below.
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