At 37, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s days on the pitch are shrinking – in contrast to his checking account after becoming a member of Saudi Arabian membership Al Nassr on a two-and-a-half yr contract.
Ronaldo’s contract has been estimated by the media to be value greater than 200 million euros ($A315m).
The transfer comes simply weeks after the star’s explosive departure from Manchester United following an explosive tv interview by which the 37-year-old ahead mentioned he felt betrayed and didn’t respect Dutch supervisor Erik ten Hag.
Al Nassr issued a press release on Friday saying the five-time Ballon D’or winner will be part of on a deal till 2025 however didn’t disclose any monetary particulars.
New subject to overcome
“I’m lucky that I’ve gained all the things I got down to win in European soccer and really feel now that that is the suitable second to share my expertise in Asia,” Ronaldo mentioned in a press release.
“I’m wanting ahead to becoming a member of my new teammates and along with them assist the membership to attain success.”
Ronaldo will arrive in Saudi Arabia with an unlimited assortment of membership honors after a glittering spell at Spanish giants Actual Madrid from 2009-18 the place he gained two La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups, 4 Champions Leagues and three Membership World Cups.
He scored a membership report 451 instances for Actual and has greater than 800 senior objectives general for membership and nation.
Ronaldo claimed two Serie A titles and a Copa Italia trophy in three years at Juventus earlier than becoming a member of United – with whom he had beforehand gained three Premier League crowns, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Membership World Cup.
He performed for Portugal in Qatar, the place he grew to become the primary participant to attain in 5 World Cups after netting a penalty in his aspect’s opening Group H recreation towards Ghana.
Portugal have been knocked out within the quarter-finals by Morocco.
Profession swansong
Ronaldo mentioned Qatar would in all probability be his final World Cup as he plans to retire at 40, with a transfer to Saudi Arabia prone to mark the swansong within the profession of one of many recreation’s best present gamers alongside Lionel Messi.
“That is greater than historical past within the making,” Al Nassr president Musalli Almuammar mentioned.
“This can be a signing that won’t solely encourage our membership to attain even larger success however encourage our league, our nation and future generations.”
The Saudi Arabian membership, who’ve gained 9 Saudi Professional Premier League titles, are hoping Ronaldo will help them to a primary AFC Asian Champions League success.
Nonetheless, the Portuguese ahead will miss his first two home video games after being banned for knocking a telephone out of a fan’s hand after United’s defeat at Everton in April.
-AAP
