Cristiano Ronaldo reckons he has achieved everything which was there to achieve in European club football and it is now time for a new challenge at the Saudi Professional League, where he will play for Al Nassr after penning down a whopping deal.
Ronaldo made his professional debut with Sporting Lisbon to kick off his career. Subsequently, he moved to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and then back to Manchester United, where his stint ended on a controversial note after his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo has savored great success as he won 32 trophies in his career, including seven league titles, five UEFA Champions Leagues, the UEFA European Championship, and the UEFA Nations League.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo feels Saudi Professional League is competitive and it doesn’t matter to him what other people think about his new contract.
Ronaldo said at a news conference: “I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe. This is a new challenge.”
The Portuguese also revealed he turned down other offers before putting pen on paper for Al Nassr.
“Nobody knows this, but I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia, America, and Portugal; many clubs tried to sign me. I gave my word to this club,” Ronaldo said. “I want to give a different vision of this country and football. This is why I took this opportunity.”
On the other hand, Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia said Ronaldo’s signing was a huge step for the Saudi Arabian league.
“In my life, I’ve seen that great players like Cristiano are the simplest to manage because there’s nothing I can teach him,” Garcia told reporters.
“As he said, we are here to win, nothing else. I want him to enjoy playing with Al Nassr and winning with Al Nassr, just that.”