Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to reporters for the first time Tuesday since signing a blockbuster deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, a shocking move following his departure from Manchester United and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Just before the end of December, the 37-year-old forward signed a deal that is reportedly expected to pay him $75 million per year over the life of the contract. Al-Nassr agreed to the deal less than a month after Ronaldo and Manchester United “mutually agreed” to part ways on Nov. 22 following an unauthorized and inflammatory interview between Ronaldo and Piers Morgan earlier that month.
Last Friday’s signing ended a months-long chase by Al-Nassr to land the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, which reportedly began this summer, according to CBS Sports. Speaking Tuesday, Ronaldo said he was committed to the Saudi Arabian club throughout negotiations and that he turned down opportunities from clubs in Europe, Brazil, Australia and the United States to come to Al-Nassr.
“My work in Europe is done. I played at the best clubs in the world… and I won everything,” Ronaldo said, per Fabrizio Romano. “I’m happy, proud to join Al-Nassr.”
“I’m a unique player. I beat all records there [Europe] so I want to beat a few records here as well.. So for me this is a good chance,” he added. “This contract is unique because I’m a unique player as well, so for me it’s normal.”
Ronaldo also addressed the backlash he faced as a result of the move, particularly in regard to the level of competition he will now face in the Saudi Pro League.
“Many people speak and give their opinions but they really do not know nothing about football. As you know football now, probably the last 10 to 15 years it is different, all the teams are more prepared, all the teams are ready…” he told reporters. “So for me it’s not the end of my career to come to [Saudi Arabia], that’s what I want to change. So I really don’t worry about what the people say.”
Ronaldo, who made history in Qatar when he became the first men’s player to score in five different World Cups, will look to win a league title in a fourth different country with Al-Nassr. The Riyadh-based club has won the Saudi Pro League 18 times and currently sits atop the table through 11 matches this season.
