Cristiano Ronaldo has completed his record-breaking move to Al-Nassr - a matter of weeks after he agreed with Piers Morgan's claim that the forward wouldn't move to Saudi Arabia.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was without a club for just over a month before Al-Nassr confirmed the arrival of the free agent on a two-and-a-half year deal, with Ronaldo set to earn mouthwatering wages. He is expected to earn around £173million-per-year in the Middle-East - the most lucrative contract ever in football.
However, Ronaldo's conversation with Morgan back in November about his next move didn't go unnoticed. The 37-year-old was released from his duties at Manchester United following the explosive interview and he made an interesting statement surrounding his future.
Firstly, Morgan said: "If it was just about money, you'd be in Saudi Arabia earning this king's ransom, but that's not what motivates you. You want to keep at the top." Meanwhile, Ronaldo replied: "Exactly."
Just five weeks later and Ronaldo has supposedly changed his tune after Al-Nassr confirmed the news on Friday. A statement read: "This is more than 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."
Ronaldo added: "Al Nassr's vision is very inspiring and impressive. I look forward to a different league experience in a different country. I am excited to join my team-mates as soon as possible."
Al-Nassr currently sit at the top of the Saudi Pro League, having won seven of their opening 10 matches, conceding conceded just six goals in the process. Ronaldo's new side, managed by French boss Rudi Garcia, drew 2-2 with fourth-place Al-Hilal on Boxing Day thanks to goals from Anderson Talisca and Abdulrahman Ghareeb.
It is a move that has sparked some debate on social media and Ronaldo also hasn't helped his cause by admitting he wouldn't play in either of Qatar, USA or Dubai during in an interview in 2015. The Saudi division has a similar profile in quality to those three leagues but the transfer of Ronaldo could heighten those expectations.
"That does not mean it’s bad play in the leagues of the United States, Qatar or Dubai, but I do not see myself there," Ronaldo said, via the Guardian seven years ago.
Throughout his 21-year senior career, Ronaldo has racked up a whopping 701 club goals in 951 appearances, winning a series of major honours in the meantime. The Portuguese megastar has collected seven league titles in three different countries - namely England, Spain and Italy - five Champions League trophies and an array of honours, both collectively and as an individual.
