Cristiano Ronaldo calls Saudi Arabia 'South Africa' in embarrassing first Al Nassr press conference blunder
Cristiano Ronaldo said the wrong country during his very first Al Nassr first press conference on Tuesday.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was officially unveiled as an Al Nassr player after jetting out to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia and undergoing a medical.
Prior to being presented to 25,000 fans at Mrsool Park, Ronaldo took part in a media conference and discussed why he decided to make the move to the Middle East.
He emphasised his desire for a new challenge after conquering European football and claimed he gave Nassr his word despite offers from clubs around Europe, Brazil, Australia and the United States.
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But Ronaldo made a huge blunder in front of journalists and the hundreds of thousands watching all around the world when he called Saudi Arabia 'South Africa'.
Ronaldo said: "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."
The two nations might have letters in similar positions but they are not even in the same continent. Of course, Ronaldo's gaffe became a huge talking point amongst fans on social media.
One user wrote: "WAIT….Does Cristiano Ronaldo think Saudi Arabia is in South Africa?"
Another commented: "From being applauded after every answer even after calling Saudi Arabia South Africa to so-called journalists 'siuuuuuuuing' at the end, that Cristiano Ronaldo presser was embarrassing."
A third said: “"For me it’s not the end of my career to come to South Africa” Cristiano Ronaldo off to a great start with the Al Nassr press conference…"
A fourth added: "Turned on the TV and momentarily saw the Cristiano Ronaldo press conference, welcoming him to Al-Nassr. Pretty sure in those literal 5 seconds, he said he was in ‘South Africa’. It’s going well then."
A fifth weighed in: "Did Cristiano Ronaldo just call Saudi Arabia..South Africa..they bout to come after him."
Ronaldo also looked a little embarrassed at the end of the press conference when journalists did his 'SIUU' cry, with many branding the scenes "pure cringe".
Ronaldo is in line to earn a whopping £170 million per season with Al Nassr and his contract includes being an ambassador for Saudi Arabia's 2030 World Cup bid.
Explaining his decision, the 37-year-old said: "I’m so proud to make this decision in my life and football. For me it’s a new challenge I’m glad Al-Nassr gave me this new opportunity.
"The welcome yesterday was amazing for me and my family and I’m already proud. When I take my decisions, my family always support me, especially my kids.
"I want to change the mentality of the new generation. I am so proud at making this big decision in my life and my career. My work in Europe is done. I played for all the most important clubs."
Ronaldo met his new teammates in the changing room after the presser and gave a speech telling them he was "here to win".
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr
Josh Lawless