Cristiano Ronaldo rejected 'compelling' offer from MLS side after Man Utd exit
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Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo rejected a 'compelling' move to Major League Soccer prior to joining Al Nassr, according to reports.
The identity of Ronaldo's newest club was revealed on Friday evening, with the 37-year-old completing a move to the Saudi Professional League.
The Portugal legend reportedly agreed to the deal on Friday morning, following talks with the club.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that he will earn close to €90 million per year as a base salary, with commercial and sponsorship agreements taking that salary to around €200 million per year.
Ronaldo was a free agent following his departure from United in November, with the forward exiting Old Trafford by 'mutual agreement'.
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Reports of Al Nassr's interest broke soon after, although the player denied reports during the World Cup that a move was agreed.
He will now join the side that sit in second in the Saudi Pro League, with Rudi Garcia's outfit two points behind league leaders Al Shabab.
But it has now been reported that the 37-year-old had other offers following his United exit.
Ronaldo 'rejected MLS deal' prior to Al Nassr move
ESPN pundit, commentator and former MLS striker Taylor Twellman has claimed that several MLS clubs enquired about signing Ronaldo before he joined Al Nassr.
Spanish outlet AS reported on December 6 that MLS sides were 'hopeful' of bringing the Portugal forward to the league in January.
Taking to Twitter, Twellman added that Sporting Kansas City were the club who held the highest amount of interest in the 37-year-old, describing their offer as 'so compelling' that Ronaldo's representatives held meetings over a potential move, and that a package was 'very close'.
The reputation of MLS has consistently grown over recent years, and players such as Gareth Bale, Carlos Vela and Lorenzo Insigne, who have all achieved considerable success in Europe, are currently plying their trade in the United States.
More promising young players are arriving in the States now too, with the likes of Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies and Newcastle's Miguel Almiron having found major success in Europe following their time in MLS.
Ronaldo's move would have been perhaps the most seismic boost yet to the league. The 2023 season starts in February.
But it will do so without Ronaldo, who is set to begin his next footballing chapter in Saudi Arabia.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Premier League, Manchester United, MLS
