Cristiano Ronaldo joins Al-Nassr FC

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was a free agent following his acrimonious split with Manchester United in Novemeber, joined Al Nassr last week on a 2-1/2 year deal estimated by media to be worth more than 200 millions euros(USD 210.94 million).

Ronaldo said at his first press conference since joining Al Nassr that “in Europe my work is done”.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo Gets Rapturous Welcome From Al-Nassr Fans

The packed, 25,000-capacity stadium erupted when Cristiano Ronaldo, dressed in Al Nassr’s yellow and blue kit, walked on the pitch, saluting the crowd as fireworks and floodlights flashed around him.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo described himself as a “unique player” and insisted his career was not over as he received a thunderous welcome at his new club in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The Portuguese superstar, 37, said he had done all he could in Europe and was hungry for a new challenge as he was greeted by fireworks and deafening roars at Al Nassr’s Mrsool Park stadium.

Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Denies Potential Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo joins Al-Nassr FC
Ronaldo said at his first press conference since joining Al Nassr that “in Europe my work is done”.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said there is “no truth” in a report that Cristiano Ronaldo has a clause in his contract with Al-Nassr that would allow him to join the Magpies if they qualify for the Champions League. Ronaldo was unveiled by Al Nassr on Tuesday after agreeing a deal worth an estimated 200 million euros ($211 million) that ties the Portugal star to the Saudi Arabian side until June 2025. The 37-year-old striker left Manchester United by mutual consent in November after giving an explosive television interview in which he criticised Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag and the club’s hierarchy.

But a report in Spain claimed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was already thinking about a potential return to the Premier League.

The report said Ronaldo had inserted a clause in his Al Nassr deal that would allow him to join Newcastle, who are 80 percent owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, on loan if they reach next season’s Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA 23 rating slashed to lowest in 16 years after Al-Nassr move.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA 23 rating has taken a nosedive following his transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr on December 30. As reported by Sport Bible, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s updated FIFA 23 rating is now 88.
Ronaldo has long been one of the most highly rated players in the FIFA game. The Portuguese superstar made his FIFA debut in 2003, in FIFA 04, with a rating of 80. In FIFA 06, he broke into the 90s for the first time, receiving a rating of 91. FIFA 17 saw him become the best player in the game with a rating of 94. He held the crown in FIFA 18 before leveling with Lionel Messi in FIFA 19.

Cristiano Ronaldo joins Al-Nassr FC
Al-Nassr FC

Al Nassr Football Club is a Saudi Arabian football club based in Riyadh. Formed in 1955, the club plays its home games at the Mrsool Park. Their home colours are yellow and blue. Al Nassr is one of the most successful clubs in Saudi Arabia, with an estimated 27 championships in all competitions.

Oops! Ronaldo calls Saudi Arabia as South Africa during Al-Nassr unveiling.

Cristiano Ronaldo joins Al-Nassr FC

He was greeted by a sea of yellow and blue at Al Nassr’s home ground Mrsool Park, where thousands of fans turned up to witness his unveiling. Speaking at the unveiling, during which people in attendance at the press conference applauded, Ronaldo forgot what continent he is now playing in.

The evolution of football is different. For me it is not the end of my career coming to South Africa,’ he said.

‘This is why I want to change and to be honest I really don’t worry about what people say.’

‘I took my decision and I have a responsibility to change that.’

After addressing a news conference, Ronaldo was seen meeting with his new team mates in the dressing room. He then made his way onto the pitch, fully kitted out in the club’s colours.

The gathered fans loudly chanted his name as he walked around the 25,000-seater stadium signing footballs and firing them into the stands, before he was joined by his family.

“Me and my family, we want to say thank you to all of you for this support and your welcome,” an emotional Ronaldo said after being handed a microphone. “We’re going to give our best. Thank you everybody.”

Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia with a vast collection of club honours after a glittering spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid from 2009-18 where he won two LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, four Champions League titles and three Club World Cups.

He also claimed two Serie A titles and a Copa Italia trophy in three years at Juventus before rejoining United with whom he had bagged three Premier League crowns, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.

“I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done,” Ronaldo told a news conference.

“I won everything, I played in the most important clubs in Europe and now it’s a new challenge in Asia.”

Ronaldo added that he had several potential suitors from all around the world following his exit from United, but chose to sign with Al Nassr because the move provided him a chance to make an impact off the pitch.

“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,” Ronaldo said.

“I can say now, I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia and the United States. Even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me, but I gave my word to this club, to develop not only football but also the other parts of this country.”

The 37-year-old batted away questions about criticism of his move to Saudi Arabia, saying, “I’m a unique player, for me it’s normal.”

Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia said the signing of Ronaldo was a huge step for the Saudi Arabian league.

“In my life, I’ve seen that great players like Cristiano are the simplest to manage, because there’s nothing I can teach him,” Garcia told reporters.”Like he said, we are here to win, nothing else. I want him to enjoy playing with Al Nassr and winning with Al Nassr, just that.”

Ronaldo’s move has been the subject of countless rumours, with some reports saying his contract includes a clause which will allow him to join Newcastle United on loan, while others have alleged that the previous holder of the ‘Number 7’ shirt was cut loose from the squad for refusing to swap shirt numbers.

Cristiano Ronaldo flies to Riyadh in private jet with partner Georgina Rodriguez

Cristiano Ronaldo joins Al-Nassr FC

Cristiano Ronaldo’s super-midsize class jet can fit up to 10 passengers with a cabin width of 2.19 m and length of 7.44 m. There are three divan seats, three beds, and of course, a lavatory.
Portugal footballer Cristiano Ronaldo with partner Georgina Rodriguez on his private jet en route to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo was unveiled as Al Nassr football club’s latest signing.
Along with an electric oven, there is a refrigerator, satellite phone, entertainment system, fax machine, and microwave on the aircraft. All this allows Cristiano Ronaldo, his partner Georgina Rodriguez, and his children, to keep occupied while onboard.