RIYADH: The grand reception held at Al Mrsool Park on Tuesday to welcome football’s megastar Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club, Al Nassr, left the world awe-struck including the Portuguese star himself, who seemed eager to start a new chapter in his illustrious career.
“Now let’s get to work!” he added.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner was greeted by a sea of yellow and blue at Al Nassr’s home ground, where thousands of fans gathered to welcome him.
After addressing a news conference, Ronaldo met with his new teammates in the dressing room. He then dressed in Al Nassr’s yellow and blue kit and made his way onto the pitch, saluting the crowd with fireworks and floodlights all around him.
Ronaldo, who shocked the world with his huge deal with Al Nassr estimated at 200 million euros ($211m), claimed that he had many offers from all over the world including Europe.
“In Europe, my work is done,” he said in the press conference, adding: “I had many offers in Europe, many in Brazil, Australia, the US, even in Portugal.
“Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club, for the opportunity to have not only football but (to be) part of this amazing country. And for me it was a challenge,” he added.
The Portuguese forward then described himself as a “unique” player and insisted his career is not over yet and is optimistic to break a few records here as he did in Europe.
“I’m a unique player. It’s good to come here, I broke all the records there (in Europe) and I want to break a few records here,” Ronaldo concluded.
It is apropos to mention that Ronaldo’s signing with Al Nassr until June 2025 is just the latest foray into top-level sports by oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which has moved into Formula One, boxing and golf, and snapped up English club Newcastle United.
READ: ‘Had many offers from Europe, Brazil and even Portugal,’ claims Ronaldo
