Cristiano Ronaldo LIVE: Star reveals offers from Europe as he’s unveiled by Al-Nassr
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Cristiano Ronaldo is being unveiled as an Al-Nassr player this afternoon following his free transfer to the Saudi Arabian club. Ronaldo’s two-year deal makes him the highest paid footballer in the world with Al-Nassr set to fork out around $200m in a mix of salary and commercial deals for the 37-year-old.
The former Manchester United, Juventus, and Real Madrid striker arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday evening and completed a medical earlier this morning ahead of the presentation which is taking place now.
The presentation is expected to be full of theatrics and fanfare for Ronaldo who made the move after a revelatory interview with Piers Morgan closed the book on his time at Old Trafford. In it, he slated the facilities and regime at Manchester United and said that he had no respect for new manager Erik ten Hag who repeatedly started Ronaldo on the bench.
Depending on his fitness, Ronaldo could make his debut on Thursday against Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ta’ee or face Al-Shabab on Saturday.
Follow all the updates as Cristiano Ronaldo completes his move to Saudi Arabia:
Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr
WATCH: Ronaldo’s unveiling presentation live
Cristiano Ronaldo being announced as Al-Nassr player
Striker claims he had offers from European clubs but chose to move to Saudi Arabia
“My work in Europe is done. I played for all the most important clubs,” says Ronaldo
Deal with Al-Nassr worth close to $200m
Ronaldo arrived in Saudi Arabia yesterday evening
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
16:14 , Luke Baker
The presentation of Cristiano Ronaldo’s unveiling is being streamed on YouTube and you can follow along with it right here:
The light show has become a laser show and Ronaldo’s face is being shown on huge television screens around the stadium.
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
16:51 , Michael Jones
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
16:47 , Michael Jones
The press conference part of the unveiling is now done and Ronaldo heads off to the changing rooms. He’ll soon head out onto the pitch wearing the Al-Nassr kit for the first time and take in the applause from the waiting fans.
Rudy Garcia ‘very happy’ to welcome Ronaldo
16:43 , Michael Jones
Al-Nassr head coach, Rudy Garcia, says that he is very happy that Cristiano Ronaldo has joined the club and hopes to work closely with him going forward.
“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,” Garcia joked.
“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 make him happy and I want him to enjoy playing with Al-Nassr and winning with Al-Nassr.”
What does Ronaldo hope to achieve in Saudi Arabia?
16:38 , Michael Jones
“I come to be successful. I want to enjoy and play football.” he says, “I’m a unique player. I broke all the records in Europe and I want to break some here too.
“This contract is unique because I’m a unique player, so that’s normal.”
A new challenge
16:36 , Michael Jones
Cristiano Ronaldo seems keen to describe this move as a new challenge for him personally rather than the end of his career in the top tier of football.
“If you give the example of the World Cup, the only team that beat the champions [Argentina] is Saudi Arabia,” he says
“Many people speak and give their opinions but they don’t know much about football. All the teams are ready. You have many surprises, South Korea, the African teams, Costa Rica.
“I don’t care what people say. I know this league is competitive. I hope to play after tomorrow.”
Ronaldo joins Al-Nassr
16:34 , Michael Jones
‘My work in Europe is done'
16:31 , Michael Jones
Ronaldo explains that he had offers and opportunities to move anywhere in the World but says that his time in Europe is over.
“I am so proud at making this big decision in my life and my career. My work in Europe is done. I played for all the most important clubs.” he says,
“I had many opportunities in Europe. Many clubs in Brazil, Australia, in the US and even Portugal. For me this is a good chance with my knowledge and experience to grow very important clubs.”
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
16:29 , Michael Jones
Ronaldo says his family supports the decision to move to Saudi Arabia: “When I take my decisions, my family always support me, especially my kids.
“They are happy as well. My family always support me, especially my kids and my wife as well. We feel good here. The Saudi Arabia people have been good.”
He then thanked the people of Saudi Arabia for their welcome yesterday evening.
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
16:28 , Michael Jones
“I’m so proud to make this decision in my life and football. For me it’s a new challenge I’m glad Al-Nassr gave me this new opportunity.
“The welcome yesterday was amazing for me and my family and I’m already proud.” says Ronaldo as the Al-Nassr presentation kicks off.
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
16:25 , Michael Jones
Ah here we go. There’s a big wave of cheers and screams around the ground as Ronaldo is shown on the big screen heading into the press room.
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
16:24 , Michael Jones
The music and light show has been going on for quite a while now and there’s only been a tiny glimpse of Cristiano Ronaldo when he pulled up to the stadium.
The folks in the stands seem to be enjoying it, for the most part.
Ronaldo arrives at Mrsool Park
16:16 , Michael Jones
Here he is. The newest addition to the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
16:10 , Michael Jones
A white SUV pulls up to the front of the stadium and Cristiano Ronaldo, dressed very smartly in a three-piece suit, disembarks before shaking the hand of Al-Nassr’s president, Musalli Al-Muammar.
Inside the stadium there’s a light show going on and a party atmosphere is getting going.
Ronaldo unveiling presentation
16:07 , Michael Jones
There are quite a lot of people packed into the Mrsool Park stadium. Chants of ‘Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo’ keep starting and then pettering out as the Al-Nassr fans await the sight of their latest signing.
Al-Nassr president arrives
16:02 , Michael Jones
Musalli Al-Muammar, the president of Al-Nassr, has arrived at Mrsool Park Stadium and will no doubt play a part in the unveiling of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Riyadh welcomes Ronaldo
15:55 , Michael Jones
Just in case the news of Ronaldo’s arrival in Riyadh had gone unnoticed, Al-Nassr took over a bunch of billboards in the city to welcome the 37-year-old to Saudi Arabia.
Erik ten Hag outlines Manchester United’s January transfer plans after Cristiano Ronaldo exit
15:50 , Michael Jones
Erik ten Hag hopes to sign a forward in January to replace Cristiano Ronaldo but believes Marcus Rashford has the ability to get 20 Premier League goals in a season to help Manchester United become more prolific.
United have scored just 20 top-flight goals, fewer than 15th-placed Leeds, and have lost Ronaldo after his contract was cancelled by mutual agreement.
Rashford is their top scorer in the Premier League with only four, equalling his tally for the whole of last season, but has 12 for club and country, including three for England in Qatar, and scored a spectacular solo goal in the Carabao Cup win over Burnley.
Ten Hag outlines Man Utd’s January transfer plans after Ronaldo exit
Ronaldo to Newcastle?
15:46 , Michael Jones
There is a reported clause in Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr contract that would allow him to play for Newcastle United should they qualify for next season’s Champions League.
A report in Marca claims that Ronaldo could make a temporary switch to St. James’s Park should they secure a top-four finish this campaign and progress through to Europe’s highest competition for the first time in two decades.
Newcastle are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund so the idea isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.
Ronaldo completed his move to Al-Nassr on Friday after ending his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent in November following a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
It seemed evident during that interview that Ronaldo wanted to continue playing in the Champions League but with no new offers on the table he switched to the big money deal from the Middle East club.
His first meeting with new boss Rudi Garcia may prove somewhat awkward after the coach suggested he wanted the club to sign Ronaldo’s long-time rival Lionel Messi ahead of the Portuguese star.
Who are Al-Nassr? What we know about Cristiano Ronaldo’s new Saudi Arabian club
15:41 , Michael Jones
Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr on a two-and-a-half-year deal, a month after the 37-year-old forward became a free agent when his Manchester United contract was terminated.
Ronaldo left Old Trafford after giving a series of interviews criticising the club, where he had lost his place in the team under Erik ten Hag, and has signed a deal with Al-Nassr reportedly for $75m (£62m) per season that reportedly could actually be worth as much as $200m per year when further commercial deals are included.
Here is what you need to know about the Portugal star’s new club:
Who are Al-Nassr? What we know about Cristiano Ronaldo’s new club
Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia
15:36 , Michael Jones
Cristiano Ronaldo and family arrived in Saudi Arabia yesterday evening ahead of the the 37-year-old’s presentation as an Al-Nassr player this afternoon.
Ronaldo met a bunch of young fans as he left the airport and posed for photos with his partner Georgina Rodriguez.
A closer look at Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring record for former clubs and country
15:31 , Michael Jones
Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr following his release from Manchester United.
Here, the PA news agency looks at the 37-year-old’s scoring record for United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Sporting Lisbon and Portugal.
A closer look at Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring record for former clubs and country
Cristiano Ronaldo timeline: From Piers Morgan interview to Man Utd exit and Saudi Arabia
15:25 , Michael Jones
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be officially unveiled as an Al-Nassr player on Tuesday afternoon.
The Portuguese superstar has joined the Saudi Arabian club after his second spell with Manchester United was ended by mutual consent in November after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan saw him criticise the club and manager Erik ten Hag.
The World Cup in Qatar saw him score in Portugal’s opening group game against Ghana, his 118th goal for his country, before being dropped from the starting XI for the knockout rounds, in which the team made a quarter-final exit with a 1-0 loss to Morocco.
A European champion with Portugal in 2016, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored more than 700 club goals in a career that has seen him lift the Champions League four times with Real Madrid and once, in his first spell from 2003 to 2009, with United, who he rejoined from Juventus in 2021.
Here’s how the saga played out:
Cristiano Ronaldo timeline: From Piers Morgan interview to Saudi Arabia
When will Ronaldo make Al-Nassr debut?
15:19 , Michael Jones
Al-Nassr’s next game is on Thursday 5th Janurary against Al Ta’ee and is being played at home in Mrsool Park.
Ideally the powers that run the club would have Cristiano Ronaldo make his first appearance in that fixture but a lack of match fitness and a need to acclimatise to the conditions in Saudi Arabia could mean that match comes too soon for the 37-year-old.
Even so, it would not be shocking for him to make an appearance, even from the bench.
More realistically, Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League debut will probably comes a week later during the top of the table clash between league leaders Al Nassr and second-placed Al Shabab on Saturday 14th January.
This is a match that will have major implications on the title race and is also the Riyadh derby making it the ideal fixture for Ronaldo’s introduction.
Unfortunately for Al Nassr supporters, their team are away from home during so the majority of them would have to wait even longer to see Ronaldo play at Mrsool Park.
Al-Nassr welcome ‘the world’s greatest athlete'
15:11 , Michael Jones
Cristiano Ronaldo’s new club first announced his arrival on social media saying: “The world’s greatest athlete — officially signed for Al-Nassr.
“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.”
Today the Saudi Arabian club will make the signing official after Ronaldo completed his medical and all the paperwork has been signed.
Cristiano Ronaldo completes shock move to Saudi side Al Nassr
15:07 , Michael Jones
Cristiano Ronaldo has completed his shock move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United ended in November with his departure by mutual consent, shortly after he criticised the club in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.
The World Cup in Qatar saw him score in Portugal’s opening group game against Ghana, his 118th goal for his country, before being dropped from the starting XI for the knockout rounds, in which the team made a quarter-final exit with a 1-0 loss to Morocco.
Inside Ronaldo’s new deal
15:02 , Michael Jones
After signing for Al-Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly earn a massive £173m a year.
Close to £62m of this will be his salary as a playing forward for the club with the remaining £111m set aside for commercial deals and image rights.
Breaking that down means Ronaldo will earn £6 per second, £357 per minute, £21,400 per hour, £514,000 a day, £3.6m a week and £14.4m a month.
Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr on two-year deal
14:58 , Michael Jones
Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has officially signed for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The 37-year-old was a free agent after he was released from his Old Trafford contract in November and has signed a two-and-a-half year deal reportedly worth $75m per season. Ronaldo left Manchester United after giving a series of interviews criticising the club, where he had lost his place in the team under Erik ten Hag.
Al Nassr, who are nine-time winners of the Saudi Pro League, announced the deal as “history in the making”. Ronaldo said: “I’m thrilled for a new experience in a different league and a different country, the vision that Al Nassr has is very inspiring.”
Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr on two-year deal
Cristiano Ronaldo joins Al-Nassr
14:55 , Michael Jones
Cristiano Ronaldo will be announced as a new Al-Nassr player this afternoon after travelling to Saudi Arabia and completing a medical assessment this morning.
The former Manchester United striker signed a deal worth a reported $200m to make him the highest paid footballer in the world.
His transfer comes after the Premier League side cancelled his contract following an interview with Piers Morgan in which the Portuguese forward trashed the hierachy at Old Trafford as well as manager Erik ten Hag.
The presentation of Ronaldo is set for 4pm GMT.
