Gulf Today Report
The Saudi club Al Nassr announced on Friday that it had signed a contract with Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, the best player in the world five times, until 2025.
Al Nassr wrote on its official website, “The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Nassr Club, Musalli Al Muammar, just signed a contract with football star Cristiano Ronaldo until 2025,” adding that the contract was signed in the Spanish capital, Madrid, and that the player will wear the jersey number 7.
The club quoted the 37-year-old player as saying, "I am eager to experience a new football league in a different country. The vision with which Al-Nassr Club operates is very inspiring, and I am excited to join my teammates, so that together we can help the team achieve more successes."
The international and Saudi media pointed out that Ronaldo's presence in the Saudi League will strongly support the bid to host the 2030 World Cup, which will be jointly organized by Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Greece.
Ronaldo had terminated his contract with Manchester United during the 2022 World Cup period, and he wanted to stay in Europe, but the huge financial offer could not be resisted.
After signing the contract, Ronaldo said: "I am eager to go through a new experience, and seeing Al-Nassr Club is very inspiring to me."
"I am excited to join my new colleagues and achieve more successes," he added.
Musalli said, "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."
The Saudi Arabian club, who have won nine Saudi Pro Premier League titles, are hoping Ronaldo can help them win another domestic league title and a first AFC Asian Champions League.