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Ronaldo explains why he chose Al-Nassr over European move

Home> Football

Published 11:48 31 Dec 2022 GMT

Ronaldo explains why he chose Al-Nassr over European move

The former Man United forward has confirmed he will play for the Saudi Arabian side and has explained his decision.

George Priestman

George Priestman

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Cristiano Ronaldo has explained his decision to make the move to play in Saudi Arabia rather than stay in European football.

Ronaldo has won league titles in Italy, England and Spain, and has also won multiple Champions League titles with two different clubs, but now yearns for a new challenge.

Following his very public and controversial departure from United, the 37-year-old's name has been linked with almost every major club in Europe.

Surprisingly, no club has stepped forward to sign the former Real Madrid star, and now he's made the move to the Middle East as a result.

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Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Portugal during the World Cup. Image: Alamy
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Portugal during the World Cup. Image: Alamy

Despite no top club wanting to sign the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo was left with no choice but to join Al-Nassr.

It was only last season that CR7 was posting 18 goals in the Premier League for United, but he left the Manchester club for a second time after a difficult start to his second season.

But, despite the ending in England, Ronaldo revealed he feels he's done everything he's set out to do in Europe.

"I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football," the five-time Champions League winner explained upon his announcement. "I feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia."

Ronaldo also added: "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 team-mates as soon as possible."

The move stands as the highest profile transfer for the Saudi Arabian league and, according to Saudi Arabia's sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Ronaldo could soon be joined by other big names.

"Happy with the presence of one of the best players in the world to start his new career in Saudi Arabia," he wrote. "Welcome, Cristiano, to the kingdom, and we will support the rest of our clubs for qualitative deals with international stars soon."

Ronaldo could make his debut in early in the new year, as Al-Nassr face a league game against top of the table Al Shabab on January 14th before then contesting a semi-final of the Saudi Cup later in the month.

Both could be big games in which Ronaldo could make his debut in, or, if he's ready earlier, he could feature on the 5th of January against Al-Ta'ee in the league, with his side currently sat in second before Al Shabab.

But fans wanting to watch the global star in the US or the UK will struggle, given that TV rights in the Saudi league mean that it won't be shown in either part of the world.

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Al Nassr

Topics: Football, Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia

George Priestman
George Priestman

Huge Football, Boxing and Film fan. Also, a Chelsea fan living in the North West. Looking to break into the world of sports media by any means necessary!

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@gpriestman1998

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