January 4 – Cristiano Ronaldo says his “work is done” in Europe at the age of 37 and that he is relishing a new challenge on and off the pitch after being unveiled by leading Saudi club Al Nassr.
Ronaldo, who was a free agent following his acrimonious split with Manchester United in November, joined Al Nassr last week on a 2.5-year deal estimated to be worth more than €200 million a year – reportedly the biggest salary in football history.
He was greeted on Tuesday by a sea of yellow and blue at Al Nassr’s home ground, where thousands of fans turned up to witness his unveiling.
“I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done,” Ronaldo told a news conference. “I won everything, I played in the most important clubs in Europe and now it’s a new challenge in Asia.”
The Portugal captain, who has long vied with Lionel Messi as the best player of his generation, revealed he had several other offers from all around the world but chose to sign with Al Nassr because the move gave him a chance to make an impact off the pitch though the sceptics will point to his eye-watering salary.
“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.”
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