Cristiano Ronaldo jets off to Saudi Arabia as unveiling plans for transfer revealed
Former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo is flying over to Saudi Arabia ahead of his official Al-Nassr unveiling.
Ronaldo sealed a big-money move to the Middle East last week. He agreed to a £173million per-year deal until 2025.
Speaking after putting pen to paper on the move, his first outside of a major European league, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “I’m thrilled for a new experience in a different league and a different country, the vision that Al Nassr has is very inspiring. I am very excited to join my teammates, to help the team to achieve more success.”
It appears that the veteran striker has wasted no time in getting down to work ahead of his debut for Al-Nassr and is already making his way over to the country. In a video shared on the club’s and his own personal social media channels, Ronaldo was pictured seated in a private jet and had a simple message for supporters, saying: “Hi guys, see you soon!”
Ronaldo is expected to arrive in the country in the coming hours and will not have to wait long to get into action. Al-Nassr have already announced that he will be presented at Mrsool Park on Tuesday afternoon during an open training session, with supporters getting their first chance to see Ronaldo don the club’s shirt for the first time.
Attention will then turn to the Portuguese’s potential debut for his new club. Al-Nassr are next in action on Thursday afternoon with a home clash against Al-Ta’ee where they hope to hold onto the top spot in the Saudi Pro League.
Should that come too soon for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner then he could potentially look to the clash with Al-Shabab later in January. Before that though, he might have to have words with his new manager Rudi Garcia.
After Ronaldo’s arrival at the club was rubber-stamped, the Frenchman joked that he originally wanted his side to make a move for rival Lionel Messi. Speaking after a recent victory over Al-Khaleej, he said: “First I wanted to bring Messi from Doha…”
Funnily enough, Ronaldo is in line for a reunion with the Argentine World Cup winner this month. As per reports, the forward’s PSG side will take on a combined XI from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal on January 19.
It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will be included in the side for the match itself. Meanwhile, Messi might also have to prove his fitness if he wants to play a part.
The ex-Barcelona star has not yet returned to the French capital after his commitments in Qatar and further celebrations in Argentina following the South American’s third success against France. Christophe Galtier has confirmed that he is expected back in training on Tuesday though, albeit it remains to be seen if he plays any part in PSG upcoming Coupe de France showdown with Chateauroux later this week.
