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
Ronaldo says his family supports the decision to move to Saudi Arabia: “When I take my decisions, my family always support me, especially my kids.
“They are happy as well. My family always support me, especially my kids and my wife as well. We feel good here. The Saudi Arabia people have been good.”
He then thanked the people of Saudi Arabia for their welcome yesterday evening.
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
“I’m so proud to make this decision in my life and football. For me it’s a new challenge I’m glad Al-Nassr gave me this new opportunity.
“The welcome yesterday was amazing for me and my family and I’m already proud.” says Ronaldo as the Al-Nassr presentation kicks off.
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
Ah here we go. There’s a big wave of cheers and screams around the ground as Ronaldo is shown on the big screen heading into the press room.
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
The music and light show has been going on for quite a while now and there’s only been a tiny glimpse of Cristiano Ronaldo when he pulled up to the stadium.
The folks in the stands seem to be enjoying it, for the most part.
Ronaldo arrives at Mrsool Park
Here he is. The newest addition to the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
A white SUV pulls up to the front of the stadium and Cristiano Ronaldo, dressed very smartly in a three-piece suit, disembarks before shaking the hand of Al-Nassr’s president, Musalli Al-Muammar.
Inside the stadium there’s a light show going on and a party atmosphere is getting going.
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
There are quite a lot of people packed into the Mrsool Park stadium. Chants of ‘Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo’ keep starting and then pettering out as the Al-Nassr fans await the sight of their latest signing.
Al-Nassr president arrives
Musalli Al-Muammar, the president of Al-Nassr, has arrived at Mrsool Park Stadium and will no doubt play a part in the unveiling of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Riyadh welcomes Ronaldo
Just in case the news of Ronaldo’s arrival in Riyadh had gone unnoticed, Al-Nassr took over a bunch of billboards in the city to welcome the 37-year-old to Saudi Arabia.
Erik ten Hag outlines Manchester United’s January transfer plans after Cristiano Ronaldo exit
Erik ten Hag hopes to sign a forward in January to replace Cristiano Ronaldo but believes Marcus Rashford has the ability to get 20 Premier League goals in a season to help Manchester United become more prolific.
United have scored just 20 top-flight goals, fewer than 15th-placed Leeds, and have lost Ronaldo after his contract was cancelled by mutual agreement.
Rashford is their top scorer in the Premier League with only four, equalling his tally for the whole of last season, but has 12 for club and country, including three for England in Qatar, and scored a spectacular solo goal in the Carabao Cup win over Burnley.
Ten Hag outlines Man Utd’s January transfer plans after Ronaldo exit
The Dutch boss believes Marcus Rashford has the ability to get 20 Premier League goals in a season
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