Portuguese celebrity Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Riyadh forward of his grand unveiling earlier than 1000’s of followers at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr membership, after sealing a shock transfer estimated at greater than 200 million euros.
The 37-year-old, a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, touched down within the capital late on Monday, in line with Al Ekhbariya state run TV, and is staying at a luxurious lodge along with his entourage.
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“He introduced a giant staff of assistants and even a non-public safety agency,” an official instructed AFP.
There are excessive safety measures across the airport with many police automobiles and checkpoints.
Ronaldo, who left Manchester United underneath a cloud after slamming the membership in a TV interview, will seem at Al Nassr’s 25,000-capacity Mrsool Park stadium in Riyadh at 7:00 pm on Tuesday (3am Wednesday AEDT), officers stated.
The newest, and presumably last, chapter in an illustrious profession comes weeks after Portugal’s quarter-final exit from the World Cup in neighbouring Qatar, the place his nice rival Lionel Messi lifted the trophy with Argentina.
Ronaldo’s signing till June 2025 is simply the newest foray into top-level sports activities by oil-rich Saudi, which has moved into Formula One, boxing and golf and snapped up English membership Newcastle United.
Speaking of Newcastle, Spanish outlet Marca reported there’s a clause in Ronaldo’s contract that permits him to hitch Newcastle in the event that they end within the high 4 this season.
Critics have dubbed the technique “sportswashing” — an try by the conservative nation to distract consideration from its human rights file.
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Al Nassr is anticipating a full stadium for the revealing, in line with one official who didn’t wish to be named as a result of he was not authorised to talk to media.
Ronaldo is by far the most important star to play in Saudi Arabia, though different heavyweights together with George Weah, Pep Guardiola and Xavi additionally had stints within the rich Gulf within the twilight of their careers.
Al Nassr, the nine-time Saudi league champions, have referred to as Ronaldo’s signing “greater than historical past within the making”, claiming he’ll encourage the remainder of the league and even the nation.
In a tweet, Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal pledged to “assist the remainder of our golf equipment for high quality offers with worldwide stars quickly”.
United terminated Ronaldo’s contract through the World Cup after an explosive interview the place he stated he felt “betrayed” by the membership and had no respect for coach Erik ten Hag.
The Portuguese ahead has lengthy been one of many top-paid gamers in soccer, incomes a reported wage of 31 million euros ($33m) at Juventus earlier than taking a pay-cut to rejoin United.
Ronaldo has gained 5 Champions League titles, league titles in Italy with Juventus, in Spain with Real Madrid and in England with United.
He can also be the highest scorer within the Champions League and with the Portuguese nationwide staff, with whom he gained Euro 2016.
In Qatar, he turned the primary man to attain at 5 World Cups along with his penalty within the group-stage win over Ghana.
