ionigeria.com Nigerian Newspaper
Having failed to secure interest from any significant football club in Europe, CRISTIANO RONALDO has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr to become the highest-paid sportsperson EVER.
The Portuguese superstar – who has been a free agent since his Manchester United contract was ripped up last month – will earn £173MILLION a year in the Middle East.
That means Ronaldo would pocket as much as £1.2BILLION over the course of the contract.
Ronaldo said: “I’m thrilled for new experience in a different league and a different country.
“The vision that Al Nassr has is very inspiring. I am very excited to join my teammates, to help the team to achieve more success.”
“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.”
Ronaldo is understood to have undergone the first part of his medical and will complete the second stage in Riyadh in the coming days.
Ronaldo had been heavily linked with a move to Saudi ever since his Man Utd deal was terminated following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo initially distanced himself from a move to the Middle East as he wanted play to play in the Champions League this season.
However, following a challenging World Cup which saw Ronaldo dropped to the bench by Portugal for their shock exit to Morocco, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has changed his mind.
Al Nassr, who have also been linked with a move for Ronaldo’s ex-Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos, currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League table after seven wins from their opening 10 games.
