It seems like an inglorious end to an illustrious career in Europe. Not close to what he himself or his fans expected. But it’s the “available” that becomes “desirable”, and there is a staggering fortune at the end.
On Friday, Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr announced that they have signed Cristiano Ronaldo on a two-year contract, confirming the rumored move for the Portuguese forward following the termination of his contract with Manchester United.
“History in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves,” Al Nassr said in a statement after the signing.
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History in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome @Cristiano to your new home @AlNassrFC pic.twitter.com/oan7nu8NWC
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) December 30, 2022
Founded in Riyadh in 1955, Al Nassr is one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest football clubs with nine Saudi Premier League titles to its name.
Ronaldo reportedly signed for the Saudi Arabian side on a near $200 million per year contract that will keep him in Asia until 2025, after he failed to secure a club in Europe. Under the deal, he will be provided with a home in an affluent area close to the training ground. Ronaldo is expected to be paid more than $1 million weekly, in addition to earnings from his image rights. He will also play a role in the Saudi’s bid for the 2030 World Cup, where he is expected to serve as the ambassador.
“I’m thrilled for 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,” Ronaldo was quoted to have said after signing for Al Nassr.
But his move has stirred mixed reactions from cross sections of football fans, with some arguing that he deserves better than playing in Saudi Arabia.
“Al-Nassr isn’t even in Asian Champions League this season. Ronaldo wanted Uefa Champions League, he didn’t even get AFC Champions League,” a fan said.
Ronaldo maintained a high-playing rivalry with Argentinean and PSG playmaker Lionel Messi in Europe for more than 15 years. With his record as five-time UEFA Champions League winner, UEFA Euro winner and National League winner – racking up 819 career goals in 1,100 professional appearances, Ronaldo is said to deserve better than Saudi Arabia retirement.
“I really hope this Cristiano Ronaldo rumor about joining Al Nassr is not true, a legend of the game like him doesn’t need to drag his career to a league lower than the Top 4 Leagues in the world,” another fan said.
But having played in top-3 leagues in Europe, winning the titles, others believe that Ronaldo has paid his dues, and now it’s time to make some money.
The 37 year old got into trouble with Manchester United in November after he granted a tell-all interview to British TV host, Piers Morgan. In the interview, Ronaldo had accused the English club of lack of seriousness and disrespect following the coach’s decision to put him on the bench. He had referenced an incident where the coach, Erik ten Hag, had asked him to warm up just three minutes to the end of the match, but he instead walked off into the tunnel, describing it as disrespect.
“… I felt provoked by the coach. Not allowed for me, a coach to put me in three minutes in a game. Sorry, I’m not that kind of player. I know what I can give to the teams,” he told Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo’s predicament was exacerbated at the Qatar World Cup won by Argentina, where he was also put on the bench by Portuguese coach Santos. Portugal made it to the quarter finals of the tournament, but Ronaldo watched from the sidelines as his lead role was taken by a couple of youngsters in the team.
However, Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr is being considered as the greatest slap in the face of his enviable career. He himself said years ago that going outside Europe in his final playing days is not on his checklist.
“I want to retire with dignity. Not in the USA, Dubai or Qatar” he said.
Ronaldo received several rejections from European clubs, forcing him to reconsider Al Nassr that has been in contact with him over the summer. His failure to find a team in Europe and his move to Saudi Arabia is as a result of decline in his performance, which is expected for a player of his age.
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s a fantastic player and, as I’ve said before, he and [Lionel] Messi are the two best players probably to play the game.
“And, again, it’s not a criticism. What I’ve said is age comes to all of us, and Cristiano is obviously feeling that and he’s finding it hard to deal with that,” Ronaldo’s ex teammate at Man Utd, Wayne Rooney told CNN.
Although he appears to be accepting the inevitable the hard way, it’s not that bad for a 37-year old. Ronaldo is said to have a net worth of about $500 million, thus, signing a two-year contract worth nearly $200 million a year in a league far less competitive is believed to be the fastest path for him to become a billionaire.
Ronaldo chose from the limited options available to him, with a good retirement package anyway. It wasn’t the end he envisaged, but it is what it is. The interview to Piers Morgan created untenable situation for him, and Man United being an institution, there’s a limit to tantrums.
Perhaps Ronaldo would have been greater as a tennis player, where you lose and win everything by individual effort. His team spirit has always been questionable, but when you can always bang in goals, some other shortcomings and malfeasance are easily overlooked. The goals were great but the vibes were sometimes surreal and repugnant. Some lessons for everyone else who is part of a team.
The people of the world are unforgiving whenever your humility quotient becomes questionable, it doesn’t matter how big your accomplishments are; this all crowning virtue called humility – once it’s not easily noticed, you will always have a hard time convincing people that you are a great human.
The story continues, this time in less spectacular stage.