Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘history-making deal’
On Friday the 37-year-old confirmed a two-year contract with the Saudi Arabia side Al-Nassr.
After weeks of speculation, it was finally confirmed by the Saudi Arabian club on social media: “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.”
Reportedly he is set off to become the world’s highest-paid athlete.
Resurfaced videos of the Portuguese superstar’s interview with Piers Morgan came to light after this big-money move to the Middle East.
In late November Man United issued a statement, where a mutual agreement was reached to terminate the soccer player’s contract, following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
"I feel betrayed."
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 13, 2022
EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo tells Piers Morgan he feels like he's being forced out of Manchester United in an explosive interview.
90 Minutes with Ronaldo. Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm on TalkTV.@cristiano | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #PMU pic.twitter.com/nqp4mcXHB0
Since Portugal’s elimination from the World cup following their loss to Morocco, Cristiano has been enjoying his time of unemployment.
But since his signing a few reports have shown that the contract came with a World Cup clause.
This clause is seen as Ronaldo walking in Messi’s footsteps, in becoming an ambassador for the country to be hosting the World Cup in 2030.
The decision to hold the tournament in Qatar didn't go down well. Image: Alamy
USA, Canada, and Mexico will be the next hosts of the World Cup in 3 and a half years, but the country to host after that is still in the cards.
Saudi Arabia is already in conjunction with Egypt and Greece to launch a bid to make the next WC the first to be held over multiple continents.
Argentinian player Messi seems to be going alongside this bid despite Argentina possibly wanting to oppose it.
Possibly marking 100 years since we saw Uruguay host the first world cup, joint efforts from Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile from the South American side are seen as well.
Even Spain and Portugal are set to put a bid in.
According to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, the move isn’t because of the money or to promote the country but more for the fact that he won everything he wanted to win in Europe
In the Piers Morgan Uncensored interview, Morgan said: “Is it also that you want to keep playing at the highest level, you want to keep breaking records, play in the Champions League. If it was just about money, you would be in Saudi Arabia earning the king’s ransom, but that’s not what motivates you.”
Ronaldo replied: ”Exactly because I still believe that I can score many many goals and help the team. I believe I am still good enough to help my national team, even Manchester United.”
Fans were at the ready with their own comments
One fan tweeted: “As a long-time Man Utd fan, I appreciate what CR7 has done for the club. But his time is up and he has gotta go. Don't mind if he gets pushed out.”
Another said: “I've just lost respect for Ronaldo. There are certain things that should be kept within the walls of a club and not aired in this manner. This interview helps no one involved & has only been done to inflate Ronaldo's flagging ego.”
Fans aren’t happy but some are happy to see him go.
What will 2023 hold in for Ronaldo?
