According to Spanish media sources, Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to terms on a stunning transfer to the Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr.
Ronaldo will reportedly join Al Nassr on January 1 of next year, according to a story from the Madrid newspaper Marca, less than an hour before Portugal’s national team press conference and on the eve of their round of 16 match with Switzerland
The 37-year-old star, who along with Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the best two players of his time, left Manchester United prior to the World Cup following a contentious breakup with the team and a fiery farewell interview with British journalist, Piers Morgan.
Initially, it was anticipated that he would look to transfer to another significant European club, but Al Nassr reacted swiftly to make an offer and appears to have secured its man. The monetary estimates were as astounding as one could expect, with a $200 million salary per year being discussed.
Ronaldo is anticipated to act as Saudi Arabia’s promotional ambassador as the country competes to host the 2030 World Cup.
Throughout this tournament, Ronaldo has been the focus of attention, and Monday was no exception. Not only did the news of his transfer to Saudi Arabia overshadow the Switzerland game’s preparations, but details of a problem with head coach Fernando Santos also became public.
Television cameras captured Ronaldo yelling in protest at being replaced during Portugal’s defeat to South Korea in its last group game. Santos initially thought Ronaldo was only irritated because a South Korean player told him to leave the field more swiftly, but he later discovered the reality.
“Yes, I didn’t like it, not at all,” Santos said Monday. “I really didn’t like it. We dealt with this internally. From that moment onwards, everything is finished — full stop on that issue. It is solved, we fixed it, and that’s it.”
Santos, though, would not clarify whether Ronaldo would continue to captain Portugal or even if he would start the match against Switzerland.
“I will only decide who is going to be the captain when I reach the stadium,” Santos added. “I don’t know the lineup. That’s what I always do. What I have always done is focus on the immediate match. I am not worried if one report is right or wrong.”
Santos claimed that when he left Portugal’s team to go to the press conference, Ronaldo had not informed him of the Al Nassr move.
“I haven’t spoken to him about this,” Santos added. “We had a conversation with the players, but I didn’t know about this. To be honest, someone just told me about it a few minutes ago.
Santos claimed that when he left Portugal’s team to go to the press conference, Ronaldo had not informed him of the Al Nassr move.
“I haven’t spoken to him about this,” Santos added. “We had a conversation with the players, but I didn’t know about this. To be honest, someone just told me about it a few minutes ago.
Prior to losing to South Korea in a match that had no bearing on its standing at the top of Group H, Portugal had won each of its first two games against Ghana and Uruguay.
A win over Switzerland would advance the winner of Tuesday’s Spain vs. Morocco matchup to the quarterfinals.
Adam Ibrahim
Adam is passionate about politics and issues that affect governance. As a writer, he channels his energies into writing on pertinent national and political issues for the good of the Ghanaian people.
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