Less than two weeks after his great rival Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo completed his arrival at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and surely ended his career with an elite club.
By agreeing to sign until 2025, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner ended speculation about his future after expiring his contract with Manchester United last month.
“I feel lucky to have won everything in European football and I feel that this is the ideal moment to share my experience in Asia,” said Cristiano.
Al Nassr described the deal as a “developing story”. But it will surely raise questions about the Portuguese’s ambitions at this point in his career.
While Messi ultimately led Argentina to the World Cup in Qatar and won the ultimate trophy that had evaded both stars who are recognized as the greatest footballers of their generation, Cristiano will be playing outside of European football for the first time in his career.
Press reports claim that the 37-year-old Portuguese international could earn up to $200 million a year, but would miss out on extending his record as leading Champions League scorer, which currently stands at 140 goals.
Messi has 129 goals in the competition.
Cristiano probably won’t be adding to his collection of Ballon d’Ors either – the trophy for the best footballer in the world.
Meanwhile, Messi is among the favorites to win the trophy for the eighth time next year after winning the World Cup.
He will also have a chance to win another Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain, having lifted the orejona four times with Barcelona.
Cristiano won the Champions League five times with United and Real Madrid.
Six months ago, Cristiano was looking to play for a team in the Champions League after United failed to qualify.
However, this did not happen and the most serious interest was from a club in Saudi Arabia.
It is not known what other offers he received after becoming a free agent last month, but his arrival at Al Nassr is a step backwards.
Still, it’s a great achievement for soccer in the Middle East and adds to the debate over Saudi Arabia’s attempts to use so-called “sportwashing” to boost its international reputation after they acquired Premier League side Newcastle with a sovereign wealth fund.
“This is more than a historical fact. This is a sign that will not only inspire the club to be the greatest success, but inspire the league, the nation and future generations of boys and girls to be their best selves,” Al Nassr posted on social media.
