Cristiano Ronaldo says his work in Europe is done and has justified his mega-money move to Saudi Arabia by claiming he has signed a ‘unique contract for a unique player’.
The former Manchester United forward was on Tuesday unveiled as an Al-Nassr player after agreeing a deal said to be worth £175million per year.
Ronaldo was introduced as ‘the world’s greatest footballer’ in front of 25,000 raucous supporters at Mrsool Park in Riyadh, to a backdrop of fireworks, flares and strobe lighting.
The 37-year-old, whose contract at Old Trafford was terminated in November, has been criticised for quitting the European game and taking the Saudi money.
‘For me now, it is a new challenge in Asia. I’m grateful that Al Nassr have given me this opportunity to develop not only the football, but also for the young generation, the women’s generation. I want to change the mentality of the new generation.’
Ronaldo also revealed that he was offered moves to Australia and the US but had given his word to the Saudi side.
‘I had many opportunities in Europe and many clubs in Brazil, Australia, USA and even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me. But I gave my word to this club.
‘I know what I want, and I know what I don’t want. For me, it’s a good challenge to change and to help with my knowledge and experience to grow many important points here. I want to give a different vision of the country, of the football. This is why I took this opportunity.’
Ronaldo met his new team-mates – currently second in the Saudi Pro League – before swapping his three-piece suit for a yellow home kit and kicking balls into the packed stands.
To huge cheers, he told supporters: ‘It is a pleasure to be here. I will give my best for this club. My goal is to make people happy, to enjoy myself and to help the country be better and better.’
Ronaldo will help Saudi in their bid to host the 2030 World Cup, but insists he is there primarily to play football.
He added: ‘I have beaten a few records there (Europe) and I want to beat a few records here. I am coming here to win, to play and to enjoy and be part of the success of the country and the culture of the country.
‘I know the league is very competitive. I have seen many games. I am ready to enjoy this, to smile and to still play football.’
Excitement built throughout the day ahead of Ronaldo’s introduction, with fans making their way to the stadium early in anticipation of his arrival.
Large video screens on the exterior walls of the ground pictured him in Al Nassr’s yellow and blue shirt.
After being presented to the world’s media in his first press conference as a Al-Nassr player, Ronaldo then donned the club’s kit and was presented to a near sell-out crowd at the Mrsool Park.
He signed footballs placed on plinths around the pitch before booting them into the crowd, before his family were presented on stage where he once again thanked his new adoring fans for all their support.
The 37-year-old Portugal international had his contract with United terminated in November after conducting an explosive TV interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s owners, the Glazer family.
Al Nassr, the 18-time Saudi champions, made an offer to Ronaldo during the World Cup, which was held in Qatar in November and December. However, the deal was not confirmed until December 30.
Ronaldo flew in to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Monday night, where he and his family were greeted by fans, before undergoing medical tests at Mrsool Park on Tuesday.
The hugely ambitious transfer is expected to heap unprecedented focus on Saudi football ahead of a potential bid to stage the World Cup in 2030, as well as on Al Nassr, which is little known outside of Asia.
For Ronaldo, however, it likely brings the curtain down on his career in elite club football.
Last summer he wanted to move to a club that was competing in the Champions League after United failed to qualify for Europe’s biggest club competition.
Despite links with Chelsea, a transfer did not materialise.
He also endured a disappointing World Cup, which saw him dropped by Portugal for its last two games before leaving the field in tears following a loss to Morocco in the quarterfinals.
Ronaldo also only managed three goals for United in 16 games this season, with one of those coming from the penalty spot.
However, there have still been landmarks.
He scored his 700th club career goal against Everton in October and became the first male player to score in five World Cups with his penalty in Portugal’s 3-2 win against Ghana in the group stage.
Ronaldo will aim to win a league title in a fourth different country after winning seven domestic championships in England, Spain and Italy combined.
Al Nassr plays Al Ta’ee on Thursday, but it unclear if Ronaldo will make his debut so soon after completing his move.
