On Tuesday January 3, 2023 in Mrsool Park Stadium, Saudi Arabia, Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo was presented to thousands of fans at Al Nassr against a backdrop of fireworks and smoke machines.
Ronaldo greeted the crowd alongside his children, as the packed, 25,000-capacity stadium erupted when Ronaldo, dressed in Al Nassr’s yellow and blue kit, walked on the pitch, saluting the crowd as fireworks and floodlights flashed around him. His girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez, followed at a distance wearing the traditional black abaya worn by most Saudi women.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, with five Champions League titles to his name, signed at AL Nassr for an estimated 200 million euros to June 2025 not long after the mutually termination of his Manchester United contract last month.
Cristiano described himself as a “unique player” and that his career was not over yet.
“I’m a unique player. It’s good to come here, I broke all the records there (in Europe) and I want to break a few records here,” Ronaldo said.
“I’m coming here to win, to play, to enjoy, to be part of the success of the country and culture of the country,” he added
He further stated that his work in Europe was done and although he had many offers in Europe, many in Brazil, Australia, the US, and even in Portugal, for many clubs wanted to sign him, he had given his word to this club.
“It’s not the end of my career to come to Saudi Arabia. This is why I change and, to be honest, I’m really not worried about what people say,” Ronaldo said.
Cristiano Ronaldo, two-year contract makes him the highest-paid footballer in the world.
BY SHILOH JEDIDAH