Cristiano Ronaldo: Newcastle claims addressed as star finalises Al Nassr transfer with no second thoughts about Man Utd
Cristiano Ronaldo has finalised his transfer to Al Nassr and with it has moved to address shock claims that his deal contains a clause allowing him to return to the Premier League with Newcastle.
The Portuguese superstar moves to Saudi Arabia on an initial two-and-a-half-year deal worth an estimated £173m per year. That makes him the highest earning sports star in the world, pocketing around £14.4m per month, £3.33m a week, £476,000 a day, £19,998 per hour, £330 per minute and an astonishing £5.50 per second.
Congratulations if you have ready this far because Ronaldo has since earned just shy of £300.
The veteran forward’s wages are reportedly Saudi goverment endorses too – and Ronaldo will also play an ambassodorial role in helping the country try and win the rights to the 2030 World Cup.
His move to Al Nassr came after Manchester United tore up his contract in the wake of a cutting interview in which he crucified the club. To that end, United manager Erik ten Hag very quickly came to a savage two-word verdict over the interview and the star’s future.
And the switch to Saudi came around after a string of European clubs passed up on the chance to sign him.
However, once it became apparent that Ronaldo had decided to move to Al Nassr, rumours quickly surfaced suggesting a future move to Newcastle.
However, without mentioning Newcastle directly, Ronaldo has moved to bat off the claims.
And the 37-year-old attacker claims the move to Al Nassr draws an official conclusion to his time in Europe.
Ronaldo reveals happiness at Al-Nassr transfer
During his official presentation, Ronaldo – cheered on by hoards of fans who gathered to catch a glimpse of their new hero – explained his reasons for the move.
And while not even mentioning his time at Manchester United, the star insists his move to Riyadh is for keeps.
“Me and my family, we want to say thank you to all of you for this support and your welcome,” an emotional Ronaldo said via RNZ. “We’re going to give our best. Thank you everybody.”
He added: “I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done.
“I won everything, I played in the most important clubs in Europe and now it’s a new challenge in Asia.”
Asking why he made the move to Saudi, Ronaldo was quick to point to the unique opportunity presented to him.
“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.”
Al-Nassr coach welcomes Ronaldo
The 37-year-old also dismissed any criticism of his move to Saudi Arabia, adding: “I’m a unique player, for me it’s normal.”
Meanwhile, Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia believes the arrival of Ronaldo is a landmark moment for Saudi Arabian football.
“In my life, I believe great players like Cristiano are the simplest to manage. There is literally 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.”
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