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Follow UsIn Cristiano Ronaldo News, Portugal captain has joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on a 2-1/2 year contract, the club announced on Friday, after leaving Manchester United to become a free agent.
Ronaldo departed Old Trafford last month following an explosive television interview in which the 37-year-old forward said he felt betrayed by the club and did not respect their Dutch manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo was keen for a move to a top European club, but that didn't materialize. The 37-year-old will now play in the Saudi Arabian league for Al Nassr. The club confirmed the news of the signing on Instagram with the caption:
"This is more than history in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome @cristiano to your new home @alnassr_fc."
Al Nassr issued a statement saying the five-time Ballon D'or winner will join on a deal until 2025 but did not disclose any financial details. Ronaldo's contract has been estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($214.04 million) -- the biggest salary in football history.
"I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia," Ronaldo said in the statement.
"I am looking forward to joining my new team mates and together with them help the Club to achieve success."
Ronaldo will arrive 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.
The record goalscorer in the history of the top European Cup competition, the UEFA Champions League, will now pursue his career on a different continent.
Ronaldo represented Sporting CP, Manchester United (twice), Real Madrid, and Juventus during his time in Europe.
He went on to score a club record 451 times for Real and has more than 800 senior goals overall for club and country.
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