Aheed Abrar
Cristiano Ronaldo delighted to join Saudi Arabia outfit Al Nassr after Manchester United exit
Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is delighted to join Al Nassr after his exit from the Red Devils midway through the season.
The 37-year-old left the Old Trafford side just before the start of the 2022 World Cup after his controversial interview with Piers Morgan. In his conversation with the British broadcaster, the Portugal international had criticised the club and the manager.
Ronaldo has signed a two-year deal with the Saudi Arabian outfit until 2025, according to CBS (h/t Manchester Evening News). The 37-year-old’s current contract is worth around £172 million.
Speaking after putting pen to paper at the Riyadh-based club, the Portuguese icon is looking forward to playing in Saudi Arabia and achieving more silverware with his new side.
“I am happy to have a new experience in another league and another country. Al Nassr’s vision is very inspiring. I’m very excited to join my teammates and help the team achieve more success.”
Al Nassr are currently second in the Saudi Pro League, two points behind Al Shabab. The Riyadh-based club boast the likes of former Arsenal shot-stopper David Ospina, Brazilian Anderson Talisca, former Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Luiz Gustavo and Vincent Aboubakar.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed a successful career in European football. He returned to Manchester in the summer of 2021 from Juventus after leaving United in 2009 for Real Madrid.
In the 37-year-old’s first campaign back at the Old Trafford side, he was one of our best players. However, the Red Devils failed to compete for titles and missed out on the top four.
After a disappointing last season, Erik ten Hag was appointed United’s manager. With the Dutch manager’s arrival, Ronaldo had lost his place in the Red Devils’ starting lineup and struggled to find the back of the net.
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The Portuguese icon has won major trophies with his clubs and country. However, it is a bit sad to see a legend of the game not continue in one of the top five leagues. It remains to be seen how the forward fares in the Middle East.
