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.
Will Stefanson
Roar Rookie
Yeah, fair enough mate. Don't know the Saudi league at all so I appreciate the clarification.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
That 200m is looking better by the second. Switzerland have stuffed Ronaldo more effectively than anyone by being pounded by Portugal without him.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Saudi league is actually very popular in Saudi Arabia, not like the Qatar stars league where there seem to be a mainly a few foreign workers, some you wonder if they come for the airconditioning, and perhaps a subcontinent cheer squad there for the free food and money. Saudi league is quite tough, has a lot of fast players, if your not fast and unless you have some help from star teammates then how do you score. Raul went to the Qatar league didnt score a lot the Saudi league is tougher. If you bring in an old striker then you will need to also bring in a superstar young winger to set them up the goals will not appear like magic.
Will Stefanson
Roar Rookie
Ronaldo should accept the contract. Let's face it, he is not good enough to consistently perform in the top European leagues and that will only decline with age. Rather than staying around and potentially damaging his reputation, may as well make a truck load of money in a league where no one will hear about him, and at a standard where he can still dominate. It will be sad to see him leave the European stage, but his time has come.