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Teams could have actually signed Cristiano Ronaldo for just £80,000-a-week

Teams could have actually signed Cristiano Ronaldo for just £80,000-a-week

Ronaldo eventually moved to Al-Nassr but he was offered around Europe for a much cheaper price ahead of his Manchester United departure.

Cristiano Ronaldo was available on a cut price deal for clubs in Europe, before moving to Al-Nassr, but no one wanted to sign him.

Ronaldo departed Manchester United in November, with the two parties agreeing to terminate his contract following his explosive interview.

His period of unemployment didn't last too long though, and he's now officially moved to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Nassr, and he could even make his debut this week.

The 37-year-old was unveiled by his new club on Tuesday, and there was a very embarrassing moment where some journalists welcomed him by doing the 'Siuuu.'

It wasn't the only bit of 'excitement' from his first press conference in Saudi Arabia however, with the former United star claiming he didn't have to end up out of Europe.

Ronaldo claimed he could have moved to another club in the continent or even America and Brazil, saying, "Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave the word to this club for the opportunity to develop not only the football but the other part of this amazing country."

But it seems that Real Madrid's all time top goalscorer wasn't actually that in demand, with the Athletic reporting he was available for a reduced price.

The report says before he left Old Trafford, clubs had the chance to sign him for just £80,000-a-week and United would subsidise the rest of his wages.

Ronaldo's final game for United came against Aston Villa, when he was captain. Image: Alamy
Ronaldo's final game for United came against Aston Villa, when he was captain. Image: Alamy

Ronaldo had wanted to leave United last summer, after just one year back at the club, having failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Whilst they were not openly trying to sell him, a lack of any offers, despite some reported interest from some big clubs in Europe, meant he remained in Manchester.

Things between the player and Erik ten Hag broke down spectacularly when he walked out on his teammates during the win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Ten Hag left the forward out of the next game but, just two weeks after the Spurs win, Ronaldo started against Aston Villa and was captain.

He was then too ill to face Fulham in the final game before the World Cup break, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring an injury time winner.

Following that game he gave his now infamous interview, ripping into the club, the manager and some of his current and former teammates.

Ronaldo checks out his new shirt. Image: Alamy
Ronaldo checks out his new shirt. Image: Alamy

It's not just whether or not he actually had offers to join other teams or not that seems to have confused Ronaldo but also what continent he is now playing in.

The former Juventus forward accidentally said he'd moved to Africa, rather than Asia, during his press conference, saying, "For me it's not the end of my career to come into South Africa, this is what I want to change - and to be honest I don't really worry about what the people say."

It's pretty easy to not have to worry what people are saying about you, when you're on a reported £173 million-a-year during your time in Saudi Arabia.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

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