Photo: Instagram.com/cristiano
Cristiano Ronaldo was officially unveiled as a player for Al Nassr in Riyadh last night after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Saudi club. The former Manchester United player’s move marks a milestone in the Arab world’s strengthening foothold in the field of sports shortly after Qatar played host to the 2022 Fifa World Cup.
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The 37-year-old Portuguese was welcomed by cheers and applause at Msrool Park as he stepped out in the team’s yellow and blue kit. “Coming to Saudi Arabia is not the end of my career,” he said at the press conference. “It is the reason why I have changed and to be honest, I am not worried about what people say. I was done in Europe… I had many offers in Europe, many in Brazil, Australia, America, even Portugal. Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my promise to this club.” He added, “I’m grateful to Al Nassr for giving me this opportunity to develop football for the younger generation, for the women as well. For me, it’s a challenge, but I also feel very happy and proud.”
Photo: Instagram.com/cristiano
At his new club, Ronaldo will be coached by Rudi Garcia, and joined by players Sultan Al Ghannam, David Ospina, Luiz Gustavo, Pity Martinez, and more. Al Nassr FC is known to have won nine Saudi Premier League titles, six King’s Cups, three Crown Prince’s Cups, three Federation Cups, and two Saudi Super Cups.
