Cristiano Ronaldo LIVE: Star reveals offers from Europe as he’s unveiled by Al-Nassr
‘My work in Europe is done’ says the former Manchester United forward after joining the Saudi Arabian club on a free transfer
Cristiano Ronaldo has been unveiled as an Al-Nassr player this afternoon following his free transfer to the Saudi Arabian club. Ronaldo’s two-year deal makes him the highest paid footballer in the world with Al-Nassr set to fork out around $200m in a mix of salary and commercial deals for the 37-year-old.
The former Manchester United, Juventus, and Real Madrid striker arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday evening and completed a medical earlier on Tuesday morning ahead of the presentation.
Presented in a glitzy ceremony the five-time Ballon d’Or winner declared “in Europe, my work is done” as he embraces a new frontier after a glittering career.
In his first public appearance at his new club’s stadium Mrsool Park, Ronaldo said: “I’m feeling very good. I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life.
“In Europe, my work is done; I won everything, I played at the most important clubs in Europe and for me now, it’s a new challenge. This is a great opportunity, not only in football but also to change the mentality of the new generation.
“I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, in Australia, in the US and even in Portugal. Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club to develop not only the football but other parts of this amazing country.”
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
The presentation of Cristiano Ronaldo’s unveiling is being streamed on YouTube and you can follow along with it right here:
The light show has become a laser show and Ronaldo’s face is being shown on huge television screens around the stadium.
‘I’m here to win’: Cristiano Ronaldo gives first press conference as Al Nassr player
Cristiano Ronaldo gave his first press conference as an Al Nassr player today, 3 January, before being officially unveiled at Mrsool Park in Riyadh.
The former Manchester United striker has joined the Saudi Arabian football club in a free transfer.
According to reports, Ronaldo’s salary is worth around £173m a year. Prior to his unveiling, Ronaldo told a press conference that he was “here to win.”
“I’m so proud to make this big decision... In Europe, my work is done,” he said.
Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo unveiled as Al-Nassr player
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
Things were quite lively at the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s first Al-Nassr press conference as a journalist yelled ‘Siuuu’ at him as proceedings eased off.
Presentation done
After leading the fans in a final cheer, Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the pitch hand-in-hand with his family.
Family time
Ronaldo’s partner, Georgina Rodriguez, as well as their children are now welcomed onto the pitch and Ronaldo says thank you on behalf of his family for the welcome they’ve received and promises to do his best for the team.
Picture time
Ronaldo now poses with a group of kids wearing Al-Nassr kits before signing a few footballs and booting them into the stands for the watching supporters.
He seems to be enjoying himself.
Here comes Ronaldo
When asked how it feels to be at Al-Nassr Ronaldo replys: “For me it’s a pleasure to be here. It’s an honour. I will give my best to this club.
“People don’t know that this league is very competitive but I know that. I want to make people happy, that is my goal.”
Here comes Ronaldo
The announcers on the Mrsool Park pitch say that it’s time for Cristiano Ronaldo to arrive. He steps out onto the pitch through a tunnel bedecked with CR7 branding and pictures of himself.
When he reaches the stage, the full-house of supporters all yell ‘Siuuu’ to him. They then start to chant his name.
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