Watch videos from Cristiano Ronaldo’s unveiling ceremony as Al Nassr FC’s new footballer in Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo had signed a two years deal with Al Nassr following his departure from Manchester United.
The number 7 player hinted that he had since been in talks with Al Nassr about joining them, and had given them his word, rejecting other good offers from Europe, in Brazil, in Australia, in the US and even from his home, Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr now makes him the current highest-paid footballer in the world, earning 75 million US dollars per year.
The launching was held at a raucous Mrsool Park in Riyadh and drew a crowd of over 25,000 spectators.
On what could be taken as the reason why C. Ronaldo had decided to go far to Saudi Arabia, he said his work in Europe has been completed and it was time to conquer new grounds.
“In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and now this is a new challenge.
“I’m grateful Al Nassr have given me this opportunity, not only for the football but for the young generation and the female generation.
“For me, this is a challenge but I feel very happy and very proud.
“I had many opportunities in Europe, in Brazil, in Australia, in the US and even in Portugal many clubs tried to sign me, but I gave my word to this club.
“This is a good chance to grow many important points here with my knowledge and my experience.”
“I’m a unique player. I beat all the records in Europe. I want to beat a few records here.
“This contract is unique but I’m a unique player, so for me it’s normal. I really don’t worry about what people say. I am really, really happy to be here.
“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.”
During the event, Cristiano Ronaldo’s family (wife and kids) came to him in the pitch during his Al Nassr unveiling event in Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United was not on a good note. He had revealed that he felt betrayed by the club as well as the manager then, Erik ten Hag.
He was not also on good terms with his manager then in Portugal, Fernando Santos, who had complained about his attitude. Fernando had benched him for the better part of his last World Cup match against Morocco, which they (Portugal) lost.
In his football career so far, Cristiano Ronaldo had won two La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups, five Ballon d’Or, four Champions League titles, and three Club World Cups. He has a club record goal of 451 times for Real and has more than 800 senior goals overall for club and country.
He had also won two Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia trophy in three years at Juventus before rejoining United with whom he had won three Premier League crowns, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League, and Club World Cup.