Extravagant, astronomical, pharaonic and staggering, there was no shortage of words to describe the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi club of Al-Nassr. But beyond the 9 figures of the amount of this operation, the fivefold Portuguese Ballon d’Or was criticized for his career choice considered disappointing.
Thus, declaring that he would like to end his career in “dignity” by remaining at the top level of world football, CR7 took another turn.
Accustomed to playing the leading roles in European and international competitions, the Portuguese international seems to be catching up with a harsh truth. Criticism from the world press and fans of the player has been merciless.
Even though his signing was announced late on Friday evening, fans, journalists, columnists and consultants mobilized to try to dissect this choice, which was certainly foreseen, but which was hard to make following the club’s official announcement of Gulf.
Now far from the elite of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has withdrawn from the international football scene by opting for a career-ending choice that is hardly intended for a player who has broken so many historic records.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo “finito”?
Long at the center of an elusive struggle with the seven-time Ballon d’Or and world champion in 2022, Lionel Messi, the Madeira prodigy has “exiled” himself in a championship deemed “for players in early retirement”.
Although age has caught up with Ronaldo, a final adventure in Saudi Arabia has not been unanimous on the web. Thus, between sadness and disappointment and mockery, Internet users gave free rein to their words to describe CR7’s choice to sign for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
“Football suicide” read one comment on Twitter. “Sad end of career” comments another Internet user.
A football suicide…
— Ali Djouad (@AlilouDjouad) December 31, 2022
Raised to legendary status, the Portuguese “Serial-Scorer” seems to be opting for the last choice available to him after several attempts, in vain, to stay in Europe.
We all have our preference but this time football will never be the same again and that’s very sad
— Nono (@ArnaudLgr) December 30, 2022
For some, irony or sign of fate, Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr, shortly after the Argentinian’s World Cup victory, puts a definitive end to the debate that has long capsized fans of the soccer.
Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr: Saudi Arabia’s open secret?
“I don’t see myself playing in Qatar, Dubai or a league like that. I want to end my career with the dignity of the major European championships,” said Cristiano Ronaldo.
It is clear that with the signing of “Don” in the Saudi championship, this trend no longer seems to be on the player’s agenda.
However, with Saudi Arabia preparing to host the 2030 World Cup, Ronaldo could be the perfect ambassador for the Gulf country’s bid to host the 2030 global event.
A vision that the Portuguese striker could share since he declared, “I liked this project. I can’t wait to start playing with my new teammates. said Cristiano Ronaldo after signing.
From now on, the eyes of football fans will be riveted on the Saudi championship to scrutinize the first minutes of CR7 under his new yellow and blue tunic.
History in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome @Cristiano to your new home @AlNassrFC pic.twitter.com/oan7nu8NWC
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) December 30, 2022
