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On Tuesday, the Saudi Al-Nasr fans singled out Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo with a crazy reception, the first of its kind in the Kingdom for a football player. The team’s fans, who were crowded with a lot, chanted the name of the new star of victory. Ronaldo, 37, said, by the way: “My mission in Europe is over. I received many offers from Europe, many from Brazil, Australia, the United States and even Portugal,” adding: “I came here to win, to play, to be part of the successes of the country and its culture.” . The Manchester United striker joined the Saudi club in a deal estimated at more than 200 million euros.
The Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo Tuesday, with a crazy reception by the Saudi Al-Nasr fans, who moved to him after a long career of football giving on European stadiums, where his name appeared remarkably. And the nickname in the Kingdom was presented as “Al-Alamy” to Al-Nasr fans in a festive atmosphere and fireworks, while his name was chanted throughout the stadium.
On Tuesday, the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo described himself as a “unique” player for his move to Saudi Arabia, stressing that “my mission in Europe is over,” and that he is thirsty for more success after joining Al-Nasr club in a deal estimated at more than 200 million euros.
Ronaldo said during his presentation at a press conference held at the Marsool Park stadium in Riyadh: “I am a unique player. It is good to come here (Saudi Arabia). I broke all records there (Europe) and I would like to break a few records here.”
“I came here to win, to play, to be part of the country’s successes and the country’s culture,” the player, who wore a gray jacket and a heavenly tie, and earrings hanging from his left ear, continued.
Ronaldo, who achieved an amazing career with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus, revealed that he had rejected a number of offers from Europe and elsewhere to join the victory.
And the 37-year-old added: “My mission in Europe is over. I received many offers from Europe, many from Brazil, Australia, the United States and even Portugal.” The five-time Ballon d’Or player added: “Many clubs tried to sign me, but I gave my word to this club, not only for the opportunity to play football but (to be) part of this wonderful country. And for me that was a challenge.”
He continued, “Moving to Al-Nasr is a great challenge, but on the other hand, I am happy. When I made my decision, my family supported me, especially my children. I am really proud and happy to be in Saudi Arabia.”
The world’s greatest athlete ????
Officially signed for #Global ????#Ronaldo_Nasrawi pic.twitter.com/BBq469mAYh
– Al-Nasr Saudi Club (@AlNassrFC) December 30, 2022
Ronaldo signed a contract with Al-Nasr until June 2025, with an estimated value of more than 200 million euros, after his contract with English Manchester United was terminated by mutual consent, following a television interview in which he strongly criticized his club and Dutch coach Eric ten Hag.
Ronaldo, who holds the record for the number of goals scored with national teams and in the European Champions League, confirmed that football has changed in the “past ten and twenty years,” citing the Saudi national team’s victory over Argentina in the first round of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
“Coming to Saudi Arabia does not mean the end of my career”
Al-Alamy said, “For me, coming to Saudi Arabia does not mean the end of my career. To be honest, I don’t care at all what people say.”
After his introduction, Ronaldo trained with his new team for the first time, noting that he said in the press conference alongside French coach Rudi Garcia: “I even hope to play the day after tomorrow if the coach agrees.”
Ronaldo met with the players of his new team for minutes, while the crowd was chanting his name madly in a very cold but very enthusiastic atmosphere. The presenter praised the “greatest player in history” and described the atmosphere as “an occasion that only happens once.”
Minutes later, Ronaldo, wearing the yellow and blue victory shirt, entered the stadium, which was filled with more than 25,000 spectators, which is its maximum capacity.
Ronaldo walked between two rows of children and girls who wore victory shirts, while fireworks were fired and the crowd shouted, “Ronaldo Ronaldo.”
Many of the audience carried yellow flags with “Ronaldo” written in green and his distinctive number “7”, while some waved the flags of his country, Portugal.
Ronaldo told the audience: “I will do my best to make you happy,” before he signed seven balls and kicked them towards the stands, while he gave the last ball to a child in the stands with his hands.
Ronaldo’s family joined him on a platform set up in the middle of the field, and the crowd chanted the name of his Spanish-Argentine girlfriend, Georgina Rodrigues, who wore a long, open black cloak over her clothes. Ronaldo and his family and companions arrived on Tuesday evening in Riyadh on a private plane.
The main streets of the Saudi capital were adorned with large luminous billboards that bore pictures of Ronaldo in a blue and yellow victory shirt with the words “Hala Ronaldo.”
The Ronaldo deal adds a lot of luster to Saudi Arabia’s sporting reputation at the international level, especially with its hosting during the past few years of one of the Formula One World Championship rounds, the Dakar Rally, golf competitions that included elite players, and the purchase of the English club Newcastle.
We are lucky that he will play in Saudi Arabia.
Off the field, Adam Siddiq (36 years old), who came from Jeddah (about 900 km west of Riyadh), said: “I am a fan of Ittihad Jeddah, but I came especially to the eyes of the Don. His presence will raise the value of the Saudi League and the viewership. He is the greatest player in the world.” “.
In turn, Abdul Karim Al-Ghamdi (20 years old), who wore a scarf in the yellow and blue colors of victory, said: “We are lucky” that he will play in Saudi Arabia. He continued, “I am sad that he left Europe and to play at the global level, but I am happy that he will play in Saudi Arabia.”
Several girls, many in traditional black veils, were seen entering the stadium in a festive atmosphere. The most important deal in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf aroused unprecedented enthusiasm for the fans, who were very enthusiastic about the club’s shirts bearing Ronaldo’s name. And the team’s shirts ran out from his store 24 hours before the Portuguese star was included. The club’s Instagram account gained millions of followers within a few hours.
Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Winter Games in 2029 in the giant futuristic city of Neom, and then, five years later, the capital, Riyadh, will host the 2034 Asian Games. It is also bidding to host the men’s and women’s AFC Asian Cup.
And the Saudi Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, confirmed in an interview with the French News Agency last August that hosting the Olympic Games is “the goal.”
France 24/AFP