Featured Image Credit: Al Nassr
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez have been permitted to break Saudi Arabia law for the past two years after local authorities are said to have 'turned a blind eye' to their situation.
After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed on Thursday that Ronaldo has signed a new two-year contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
The 40-year-old forward, who scored 35 goals in 41 matches across all competitions last season, was linked with a big-money move to Saudi rivals Al Hilal ahead of their Club World Cup campaign this summer.
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But he has penned a new deal with Al Nassr worth £488,000-a-day, according to The Sun, who claim Ronaldo is taking home a £24.5 million signing bonus, which will increase to £38 million if he triggers the second year of his contract.
The report also suggests the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be given a 15 per cent ownership stake in the club.
Reacting to his latest move, Ronaldo wrote: "A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together."
The decision means that Ronaldo and his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez will continue to live together in Saudi Arabia, despite the country’s laws forbidding unmarried couples from doing so.
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Back in 2023, when the striker joined Al Nassr following his departure from Manchester United, two Saudi lawyers told Spanish international news agency EFE that authorities will ‘turn a blind eye’ to the couple living together.
An anonymous lawyer told EFE, as per SPORT: "Although the laws of the kingdom still prohibit cohabitation without a marriage contract, the authorities have recently started to turn a blind eye and no longer prosecute anyone.
"Although these laws are used when there is a problem or a crime.”
Another lawyer added: “Nowadays Saudi authorities no longer interfere in this matter - for expatriates - even though the law prohibits cohabitation without marriage."
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Ronaldo has previously claimed that he wants to marry Rodriguez in the future, telling Piers Morgan that they both "deserve" it.
The Portuguese forward met his other half met when she worked at a Gucci store in Madrid back in 2016 and they have two children together, Bella and Alana. Ronaldo also has eldest son Cristiano Jr and twins Eva and Mateo.