RIYADH - Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said his “work is done” in Europe, adding that he is relishing new challenges both on and off the pitch after being unveiled as a player of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old, who was a free agent following his acrimonious split with Manchester United in November, joined Al Nassr last week on a two-and-a-half-year deal estimated by media to be worth more than €200 million (S$280 million).
He was greeted by a sea of yellow and blue at Al Nassr’s home ground Mrsool Park, where thousands of fans turned up to witness his unveiling.
But the Portuguese star had to overcome an embarassing gaffe when he got the name of his new host country wrong at the press conference, saying “it’s not the end of my career to come to South Africa”.
But that mattered little as he was later seen meeting his teammates in the dressing room. He then made his way onto the pitch, fully kitted out in the club’s colours.
The fans chanted his name loudly as he walked around the 25,000-seater stadium signing footballs and firing them into the stands, before he was joined by his family.
“Me and my family, we want to say thank you to all of you for this support and your welcome,” an emotional Ronaldo said after being handed a microphone.
“We’re going to give our best. Thank you, everybody.”
Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia with a vast collection of club honours after a glittering spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid from 2009-18, when he won two La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups, four Champions League titles and three Club World Cups.
He also claimed two Serie A titles and a Copa Italia trophy in three years at Juventus before rejoining United, with whom he had bagged three English Premier League crowns, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.
“I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done,” Ronaldo said during his news conference. “I won everything, I played in the most important clubs in Europe. And now it’s a new challenge in Asia.”
Ronaldo added that he had several potential suitors from all around the world following his exit from United.
But he chose to sign with Al Nassr because the move provided him a chance to make an impact off the pitch.
“I’m grateful to Al Nassr for giving me this opportunity to develop football for the younger generation, for the women as well,” he said.
“For me, it’s a challenge but I also feel very happy and proud.”
“I can say now, I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia and the United States.”
Ronaldo also batted away questions about criticism of his move to Saudi Arabia and his huge salary, saying: “I’m a unique player, for me it’s normal.” REUTERS
