Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is “excited” to join the “inspiring” Saudi club Al Nassr on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The club announced details of the contract on Friday.
“I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country,” said Ronaldo, in a statement issued by the club. “The vision of what Al Nassr [is] doing and developing in Saudi Arabia both in terms of men’s and women’s football is very inspiring.”
“We can see from Saudi Arabia’s recent performance at the World Cup that this is a country with big football ambitions and a lot of potential,” he said.
“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. I am looking forward to joining my new teammates and together with them help the Club to achieve success.”
Ronaldo’s contract has been estimated by media to be worth more than $210 million.
Al Nassr Football Club President Musalli Almuammar said: ”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.”
“He is a special footballer and a special person whose impact is felt far beyond football. Cristiano is joining a club with big ambitions, a competitive club amongst the very best in Asia and will be welcomed to a country that is making massive progress on and off the pitch with opportunities for all.”
“But first and foremost, we can’t wait to see him in the number 7 shirt of Al Nassr doing what he does best, scoring goals, winning titles and bringing joy to those who love the beautiful game.”
Ronaldo left Manchester United 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.
His former team’s fans have however moved fast to forget Ronaldo after they passed his famous chant on to young star Alejandro Garnacho.
Although a large majority of fans still have a soft spot for Ronaldo, many were left angered by the way his second stint at Manchester United ended.
