Cristiano Ronaldo officially unveiled as Al-Nassr player after jetting to Saudi Arabia following £175m-a-year deal
CRISTIANO RONALDO has officially been unveiled as an Al-Nassr player.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 37, became the highest-paid sportsperson of all time when he signed a lucrative £173million-a-year deal with the Saudi Pro League club on Friday.
He arrived in Riyadh on Monday evening and was greeted by a large group of adoring fans.
Ronaldo then had his official medical on Tuesday morning ahead of his official unveiling, which took place at Al-Nassr’s home stadium – Mrsool Park.
Thousands of fans were in attendance to welcome the former Real Madrid star to the club.
Upon his arrival, he said: “I want to give a different vision of the country, of the football and the perspective of everybody.”
He later added: “I’m coming here to win, to play, to enjoy.”
Ronaldo’s name has been displayed across the city of Riyadh since he was announced as an Al-Nassr player on Friday.
Hundreds of fans have flocked to the club’s official shop in a bid to get their hands on his iconic No.7 shirt.
And those in attendance at Friday’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Khaleej continued to chant his name throughout the seventh minute of the match in celebration following the announcement of his arrival.
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Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in a free transfer following his dramatic exit from Manchester United.
The forward had his contract ripped up following a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
During the 90-minute conversation with the SunSport columnist, Ronaldo said that he felt “betrayed” by the Red Devils.
He also criticised United boss Erik ten Hag and admitted that he did not respect the Dutchman.
In the same interview, Ronaldo revealed that he had previously turned down the chance to play in Saudi Arabia.
He said: “It’s hard. It’s hard. But in the same way, I thought that I was very happy here; that I [am] still capable to score goals and make people happy.
“I still believe that I can score many many goals and help the team because I still believe that I’m still good and capable to help national team – even Manchester United.
“But if you don’t feel around you that the energy’s on your side, it’s difficult. Of course, the criticism is gonna exists all the time. Ah he’s 37, he’s not the same.
“But I want to see if some guy of my age maintain the level that I show. You’re not gonna teach me that. Nobody is gonna teach me that.”
However, after a disappointing World Cup campaign he quickly changed his mind.
Ronaldo is expected to Al-Nassr debut on January 14 in a derby against Al-Shabab.
