Cristiano Ronaldo is set to sign for Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr on a two-and-a-half-year deal following his exit from Manchester United, according to reports.
The Portugal forward saw his stint at Old Trafford brought to an early conclusion by mutual agreement last month following an interview in which he revealed unhappiness with United and their manager Erik ten Hag.
The 37-year-old wished to leave United ahead of the 2022-23 season but has said he turned down a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club.
However, Spanish newspaper Marca on Monday reported that Riyadh-based side Al Nassr are close to signing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
(Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
A move to the gulf state would mark the end of Ronaldo’s illustrious career in Europe, having starred for United, Juventus and Real Madrid.
No player has scored more in the Champions League than Ronaldo, who is also the highest goalscorer in international football, with 188 to his name.
At Al Nassr, he is expected to net close to $211 million per season, with additional economic incentives, a sum that would make him the highest-paid athlete in the world.
Al Nassr’s squad also includes Cameroon’s World Cup star Vincent Aboubakar and former Napoli goalkeeper David Ospina.
Ronaldo has been in action for Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar, scoring in their opening game of the tournament to become the first man to net at five different World Cups.
Coach Fernando Santos said of the reports: “I haven’t spoken to him about this. I didn’t know about this. Someone only told me a few minutes ago.
“That’s his decision, and something that he has to deal with. We are focused on the World Cup and this team.”
Santos admitted to being unhappy at Ronaldo’s spat with Cho Gue Sung when being substituted in the World Cup group game against South Korea.
Ronaldo was involved in an exchange with Cho during his side’s World Cup defeat on Friday.
Santos told reporters on Monday: “Did I see the images? Yes. Did I like it? Absolutely not. I didn’t like it at all.
“I couldn’t hear anything when I was on the pitch, I was too far away. I only heard him argue with the Korean player. But the issue has been cleared up and ticked off.
“These things are solved internally, and then it continues. Everyone is focussed on the game,” he added ahead of Tuesday’s last-16 date with Switzerland.
Santos did not reveal whether Ronaldo would be starter on Tuesday, saying only that all players are ready.
© AAP
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