Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo says his work in Europe is “done” as he was unveiled by Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus forward signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to play in the Saudi Pro League in one of the most surprising transfers in the sport’s history.
Ronaldo said he turned down “many clubs” around the world to sign with Al-Nassr, a deal that could reportedly earn him up to $200 million a year.
“Nobody knows this, but I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia, the U.S., and even Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me. I gave my word to this club,” Ronaldo said. “I want to give a different vision of this country and football. This is why I took this opportunity.”
“I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe my work is done. I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe. This is a new challenge,” Ronaldo said at a news conference.
Al Nassr president Musalli Almuammar would not confirm the exact figures in the two-and-a-half-year contract.
“He is the best player in football history so it is normal he will be the highest in terms of cost or salary,” Almuammar said. “This is something that he really deserves, so the amount of money he will take, he really deserves.”
The soccer great, who has won five Ballon d’Or awards for the best player in the world and five Champions League titles, will play outside of Europe for the first time in his storied career.
The 37-year-old Portugal international had his contract with United terminated in November after conducting an explosive TV interview in which he criticized manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s owners, the Glazer family.
