Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo arrived his new club, Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, on Monday, 2 January, 2023.
He completed a medical ahead of his official presentation a day later.
The former Manchester United player was greeted by a capacity crowd of 25,000 at a raucous Mrsool Park in Riyadh as excited fans enjoyed an impressive light show.
The 37-year-old was unveiled by his new club Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, having put pen to paper on a deal worth an estimated £173 million per season.
The two-year contract signed makes him the highest-paid footballer in the world.
Before he arrived at his new home, reports surfaced that Ronaldo’s new contract contained a clause that would allow him to join the Saudi-owned Magpies next season.
According to the clause, the football superstar could move to Newcastle if they qualify for the Champions League.
He now insists that means he never needs to return to Europe again, with his eyes fixed firmly on his new club.
“So far I’m feeling very good. I’m so proud to make this decision in my life, and as you mentioned before in Europe my work is done,” said Ronaldo as he met the press for the first time in Saudi Arabia.
“I won everything, I played at the most important clubs and for me now it is a new challenge in Asia.
“I’m grateful that Al-Nassr have given me this opportunity to show and develop, not only for the younger generation, but for the women’s generation. It’s a challenge but I’m very proud.”
Ronaldo also said that he turned down chances to stay in Europe in order to make the move to Saudi Arabia, where he could make his debut for his new club as soon as this Thursday.
“I can say now I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, Australia, USA, even in Portugal many tried to sign me,” he added.
“I’m a unique player, I beat all the records there [Europe], so I want to beat a few here. This contract is unique, because I’m unique, so this is normal.”
On his family’s opinion on the move, he added: “They are happy as well. When I take decisions my family support me, especially my kids!
“They are very happy, the welcome was amazing, we feel good. Saudi Arabian people are lovely with me and my family.”
Former Lille, Roma, Marseille and Lyon boss Rudi Garcia is Ronaldo’s new manager at Al-Nassr, and he can’t wait to work with him.
“Normally after the game there is three or four journalists. Please, everyone is welcome to come after every game to speak about Cristiano’s goals,” he said.
“It’s an honour for me but also for Al-Nassr to welcome Cristiano.
“He is an example, everyone knows that. My objective for Cristiano is make him happy and I want him to enjoy playing with Al-Nassr and winning with Al-Nassr.”
