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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Saudi Arabia sports minister hints Cristiano Ronaldo transfer was backed by government

Cristiano Ronaldo Saudi Arabia AlNassr

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, has hinted that Cristiano Ronaldo's signing was Government-backed.

The Portuguese star has signed for Al-Nassr after his acrimonious exit from Manchester United. A lack of options in Europe has seen the five-time Ballon d'Or winner head for the Middle East, where he will earn huge sums on a contract than runs until 2025.

It is the latest major move from Saudi Arabia as their involvement and visibility in all sports continues to grow. The kingdom has huge wealth and has flexed its muscles in the golfing world, Formula 1 and has plans to host the 2030 World Cup should their bid be successful.

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