Featured Image Credit: Al Nassr
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr
Daniel Marland
Al Nassr fans decided to chant for new signing Cristiano Ronaldo in the seventh minute of their 1-0 win over Al Khaleej.
Ronaldo officially put pen to paper on a deal with the Saudi Arabian outfit on Friday evening after leaving Manchester United via mutual consent in November.
The 37-year-old will reportedly earn an eye-watering sum of $90 million per year, with his total salary hitting $200 million thanks to commercial and sponsorship deals.
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It's the highest-profile transfer in the history of Asian football, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner already making a mark.
Al Nassr played their first game since Ronaldo's arrival on Saturday when they travelled to Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium to face Al Khaleej.
Vincent Aboubakar scored the only goal of the game in the fifth minute to give Al Nassr a vital win and move them to the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
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Despite taking an early lead, supporters inside the ground only had one forward on their minds.
Chants of 'Ronaldo' and 'Siu' echoed around the stadium for a full minute. Television cameras captured fans holding up yellow signs, the colour of the team's jersey, with messages welcoming Ronaldo to the club written on them.
The Portugal international deciding to leave European football isn't down to money, despite the lucrative financial package.
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Ronaldo claims to have won 'what he set out to win' with United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He's keen to experience football in Asia and called Al Nassr's vision 'very inspiring'.
He said: "I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football. 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."
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During his controversial interview with Piers Morgan, which resulted in his United exit, Ronaldo said he felt he could still perform at the highest level.
Morgan stated: "Is it also that you want to keep playing at the highest level, you want to keep breaking records, play in the Champions League. If it was just about money, you would be in Saudi Arabia earning the king’s ransom, but that’s not what motivates you."
Ronaldo replied: "Exactly, because I still believe that I can score many many goals and help the team. I believe I am still good enough to help my national team, even Manchester United."