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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.

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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during the warm up before the match on December 6, 2022
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Al-HilalAl-Hilal29272089187183
2Al-Nassr29232484354971
3Al-AhliAl-Ahli29167658312755
4Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun30149748341451
5Al Ittihad301551056431350
6Al Fateh30118115046441
7Al Ettifaq30101193632441
8Al Fayha30118114047-741
9Al ShababAl Shabab29108113936338
10Damac30108124139238
11Al Khaleej2998123240-835
12Al WahdaAl Wahda2995154149-832
13Al RaedAl Raed2987143845-731
14Al Riyadh3078152853-2529
15Al Okhdood3084182747-2028
16Abha3084183479-4528
17Al Tai2975172957-2826
18Al Hazem30311162968-3920


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