Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr debut date revealed, will play on one condition

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr debut could come this week but only if the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is deemed to be fit enough.

Having been a free agent following his Manchester United termination, Ronaldo has signed a lucrative two-and-a-half year deal with the Saudi Arabia outfit and is in line to earn an eye-watering £173 million per season with commercial fees taken into account.

He has jetted out to Riyadh, Saudi's capital, and is set to be officially presented in front of thousands of the club's supporters on Tuesday at the 25,000 capacity Mrsool Park.

A public training session with Ronaldo and the rest of the squad is also pencilled in.

The 37-year-old has undergone his medical and will be eligible to make his debut on Thursday against Al Ta'ee, though it depends on an assessment on his fitness.

With not too much time for training sessions with his new teammates - and the fact he's had a break following the World Cup - means he will likely only have a substitute role.

But The Mirror say manager Rudi Garcia does want Ronaldo to be involved in the home fixture in some way ahead of a massive top of the table clash with Al Shabab on the horizon.

A recent 1-0 win over Al Khaleej moved them one point clear of second-placed Al Shabab, having played one game more.

Image: Alamy

The two sides meet on 14 January at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in what could be a huge game in deciding the title.

Nassr's last title triumph was in 2019 and a win would secure qualification into next season's Asian Champions League.

Ronaldo's arrival is set to bring record shirt sales and attendance figures, though rivals Al Hilal appear to have reacted to the mega transfer by stocking Lionel Messi shirts in their official club store.

Image: Alamy

"I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football," Ronaldo after his signing was confirmed.

"I feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia. Al Nassr's vision is very inspiring and impressive.

"I look forward to a different league experience in a different country. I am excited to join my teammates as soon as possible."

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Premier League, Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr, Manchester United

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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