MX23RW : Monday, January 16 07:48:48| >> :600:130953:130953:

Cristiano Ronaldo says he turned down "many opportunities" to join Al-Nassr

Ronaldo says he turned down
© Reuters
Cristiano Ronaldo says that he had "many opportunities" to join other clubs but 'gave his word' to Al-Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that he had "many opportunities" to join other clubs but 'gave his word' to Al-Nassr that he would move to the Saudi Arabian outfit.

The 37-year-old was released by Manchester United at the end of November following the explosive interview that he gave to Piers Morgan on TalkTV.

Ronaldo had allegedly been keen to remain in European football, but it was announced on Friday that he had signed a contract with Al-Nassr until June 2025.

The Portugal international will allegedly earn in the region of £177m a year once all bonuses and commercial agreements have been taken into account.

Ronaldo has said that he had offers from clubs in Europe, Brazil, Australia, USA and Portugal, but he did not want to 'go back on his word' to Al-Nassr.

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo in action against Ghana at the World Cup on November 24, 2022© Reuters

"I feel so proud to make this big decision in my life," Ronaldo said at his official unveiling.

"In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and now this is a new challenge. I'm grateful Al Nassr have given me this opportunity, not only for the football but for the young generation and the female generation.

"For me, this is a challenge but I feel very happy and very proud. I had many opportunities in Europe, in Brazil, in Australia, in the US and even in Portugal many clubs tried to sign me, but I gave my word to this club.

"This is a good chance to grow many important points here with my knowledge and my experience."

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during training on November 14, 2022© Reuters

Meanwhile, Al-Nassr head coach Rudi Garcia added: "Normally after the game there is three or four journalists. Please, everyone is welcome to come after every game to speak about Cristiano's goal.

"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 to make him happy and I want him to enjoy playing with Al-Nassr and winning with Al-Nassr."

Al-Nassr said that Ronaldo's arrival would 'inspire future generations' when they confirmed his signature.

"History in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome @Cristiano to your new home," read the message on the club's official Twitter account.

Ronaldo, who represented Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, could potentially make his debut for his new side against Al Tai in the league on Thursday.

ID:503372:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4808:

Cristiano Ronaldo future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Cristiano Ronaldo

Click here for more stories about Al-Nassr

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during the warm up before the match on December 6, 2022
Read Next:
Al-Nassr manager talks up Cristiano Ronaldo move
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal18152142142847
2Manchester CityMan City18123346182839
3Newcastle UnitedNewcastle19108133112238
4Manchester UnitedMan Utd1812242921838
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs19103637271033
6Fulham209473229331
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton1893635251030
8Brentford197843228429
9Liverpool188463425928
10Chelsea198472221128
11Aston Villa197482227-525
12Crystal Palace186481726-922
13Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest195591534-1920
14Leeds UnitedLeeds184592633-717
15Leicester CityLeicester1952122633-717
16Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1945101227-1517
17Bournemouth1944111841-2316
18West Ham UnitedWest Ham1943121525-1015
19Everton1936101526-1115
20Southampton1943121734-1715

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Match previews - Daily
Transfer Talk Daily
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!