Cristiano Ronaldo wasted no time in revealing he turned down “many opportunities” before signing for Al-Nassr.
During his unveiling at the Saudi club, the 37-year-old hit back at critics that claimed he went back on his word after his Manchester United exit. Ronaldo had previously stated he would remain at the top level rather than chase the riches on offer to him around the world.
His original grievances with United appeared to stem from the fact that they had missed out on the Champions League. Despite top scoring in his first season back at Old Trafford, the Red Devils could only manage a place in the Europa League - recording their lowest ever Premier League points tally in the process.
And with his goalscoring record under threat, it was reported that Ronaldo urged agent Jorge Mendes to find him a club in Europe’s top competition. That didn’t materialise though, despite the Portuguese claiming he snubbed plenty of offers.
“I am so proud at making this big decision in my life and my career. My work in Europe is done. I played for all the most important clubs,” he explained.
“I had many opportunities in Europe. Many clubs in Brazil, Australia, in the US and even Portugal.For me this is a good chance with my knowledge and experience to grow very important clubs.”
Ronaldo added: "My work in Europe is doneI played at the best clubs in the world… and I won everything. I’m happy, proud to join Al Nassr. People don’t know about the level here. This contract is unique because I am a unique player. It's normal for me."
The majority of those offers have remained under wraps, with Chelsea one of the clubs believed to have initially been interested. However, one that was lodged - informal or not - was from ex-Wolves manager Bruno Lage.
Speaking in the middle of Ronaldo's first campaign back in English football, Lage said that if United bosses were unhappy with him, he would snap him up to continue the Portuguese revolution in the West Midlands.
"He’s a machine," said the former Wolves boss. "He just wants to score and score and score. He lives for that. He’s a massive player and every team in the world would want him.
"It’s football and everyone has an opinion. But if United aren’t happy with him then I have a place for him here, but I know they are happy with him. He started playing at the top level very young and he’s just continued at the same level."
Needless to say, Ronaldo didn’t take Lage up on his generous offer, sticking with United for the majority of 2022 before his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. Ironically he lasted longer than his compatriot did in the Premier League, who was sacked at Molineux in October with his side in the relegation zone.
Ronaldo is set to appear for Al-Nassr for the second time on Thursday, having made his debut in last weekend’s win over Ettifaq. It wasn’t vintage Ronaldo on display, but he did help his new side to the top of the table with the 1-0 victory.
And ESPN report that Al-Nassr chiefs are now convinced he will end his playing days in Riyadh and could yet extend his eye-watering £173m-per-year contract. His current deal takes him beyond his 40th birthday and bosses are growing confident he will not look for the kind of premature exit he was given at United.
