Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to reporters for the first time Tuesday since signing a blockbuster deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, a shocking move following his departure from Manchester United and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Just before the end of December, the 37-year-old forward signed a deal that is reportedly expected to pay him $75 million per year over the life of the contract. Al-Nassr agreed to the deal less than a month after Ronaldo and Manchester United “mutually agreed” to part ways on Nov. 22 following an unauthorized and inflammatory interview between Ronaldo and Piers Morgan earlier that month.
Last Friday’s signing ended a months-long chase by Al-Nassr to land the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, which reportedly began this summer, according to CBS Sports. Speaking Tuesday, Ronaldo said he was committed to the Saudi Arabian club throughout negotiations and that he turned down opportunities from clubs in Europe, Brazil, Australia and the United States to come to Al-Nassr.
