‘My work in Europe is done’, says Ronaldo
‘My work in Europe is done’, says Ronaldo. Despite having “many opportunities” from other teams before joining the Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo claims that his work in Europe is completed.
He left Manchester United after a controversial interview in which he criticised the team and joined Al Nassr as a free agent on Friday. The 37-year-old captain of Portugal claimed to have had offers from teams in Brazil, Australia, the US, and Portugal.
“I gave my word for this club,” he said at his unveiling on Tuesday. I won everything, I played for the most important clubs in Europe and now it is a new challenge in Asia.”
Ronaldo is reportedly set to receive the biggest football salary in history at more than £177m per year in a deal that runs until 2025.
“As nobody knows, I can say now I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, Australia, the US, even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me,” Ronaldo told reporters at his first media conference.
Applause and cheers of the “Siu” celebration, the five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, were heard as he spoke. He responded to a club representative’s inquiries but declined any from media.
In response to a question regarding his deal with the nine-time champions of the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo said: “This contract is unique, but I’m a unique player, so for me it’s normal.
“I know the league is very competitive, I saw many games. I hope to play after [Wednesday] if the coach thinks there’s a chance. I’m ready to keep playing football.”
Al Nassr head coach Rudi Garcia said signing Ronaldo was “fantastic” for Saudi Arabia.
“In my life, I’ve seen that great players like Cristiano are the simplest to manage, because there’s nothing I can teach him,” the Frenchman said.“My goal, my objective for Cristiano is to make him happy. I want him to enjoy playing with Al Nassr and winning with Al Nassr.”
Following the media conference he posed in his new Al Nassr kit on the club’s pitch in front of thousands of fans.
