ronaldo al nassr presentation

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabia era begins, as fans get first look at star

Saudi Arabian soccer powerhouse Al-Nassr formally welcomed superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to the club during a Tuesday ceremony at its home stadium in Riyadh, punctuating a transition that began when Ronaldo sent shock waves across the sporting world last month by announcing he was leaving storied English club Manchester United for the little-known Al-Nassr team.

“In Europe, my work, it’s done,” Ronaldo said during his introductory news conference. “I won everything, I played the most important clubs in Europe, and for me now it’s a new challenge.”

The news conference preceded Ronaldo’s arrival onto the pitch at Mrsool Park, where roaring fans packed the stadium before he walked onto the field in the team’s blue and gold uniform, accompanied by plumes of smoke, flames and sparklers. He followed brief comments by kicking soccer balls up into the crowd.

“Many clubs try to sign me,” he said during the news conference, citing apparent suitors in Australia, Brazil, Portugal and the United States. "But I give the word to this club for the opportunity to develop not only the football, but the other part of this amazing country, and for me it’s a good challenge.”

Posting on his Instagram account late Monday, the Portuguese star shared a short video of himself on a private jet telling his fans: “Hi, guys, see you soon!”

Images later showed him and his family arriving at a Riyadh airport and being greeted with flowers from fans.

Cristiano Ronaldo signs with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr

In November, the Saudi national team notched a historic upset victory in group play over eventual World Cup winner Argentina in neighboring Qatar. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund owns the English Premier League team Newcastle United , as foreign nations continue to pour money into European clubs. Human rights advocates have criticized what they deem “sportswashing” by the oil-rich state, and the United Nations has long urged the country to improve its human rights record.

“History in the making,” the Al-Nassr club said in a tweet announcing Ronaldo’s signing last week. “Welcome Cristiano to your new home.”

Ronaldo said in a statement that he was “excited to experience a new football league in a different country.” He added: “I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia.”

Now 37 and nearing the end of his career, Ronaldo will play for the Saudi club until 2025, Al-Nassr said. It did not disclose financial details, but media reports said his contract would pay him about $75 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid soccer players in history.

The world’s top soccer players often spend their twilight years in the game outside Europe, usually opting for the United States or China. The Saudi club is coached by Rudi Garcia of France, and Ronaldo will join other notable players from Brazil, Colombia and Cameroon on the team.

During his storied career, Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or award five times as the men’s soccer player of the year, and, in Qatar, he cemented his legacy by becoming the first man to score in five World Cup tournaments.

He has played in Europe’s top leagues, for Spain’s Real Madrid and Italy’s Juventus, as well as two stints at Manchester United. However, the mercurial player left the northern England club acrimoniously in November, becoming a free agent, shortly after blasting its American owners and its manager in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

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Ronaldo, already the most followed individual on Instagram, has lent some of his star power to the Saudi club. Its online following shot from about 860,000 to over 7.4 million Tuesday, days after it announced his signing.

It is unclear when Ronaldo will play his first match for Al-Nassr, but the team has games scheduled for Thursday and Jan. 14.

Thousands of Saudi fans cheer as Ronaldo unveiled at Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo has been officially presented to fans at his new Saudi Arabian club, where he received a thunderous welcome.

Cristiano Ronaldo described himself as a “unique player” and insisted his career was not over as he received a thunderous welcome at his new club, Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

The Portuguese superstar, 37, said on Tuesday that he had done all he could in Europe and was hungry for a new challenge as he was greeted by fireworks and deafening roars at Al Nassr’s Mrsool Park stadium in the capital Riyadh.

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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, with five Champions League titles to his name, signed for an estimated 200 million euros ($211m) until June 2025 not long after his acrimonious split with Manchester United.

“It’s not the end of my career to come to Saudi Arabia. This is why I change and, to be honest, I’m really not worried about what people say,” Ronaldo said.

“In Europe my work is done… I had many offers in Europe, many in Brazil, Australia, the US, even in Portugal,” he added. “Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club.”

The packed, 25,000-capacity stadium erupted when Ronaldo, dressed in Al Nassr’s yellow and blue kit, walked on the pitch, saluting the crowd as fireworks and floodlights flashed around him.

His girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez, wearing the traditional black abaya or all-covering robe worn by most Saudi women, followed at a distance along with Ronaldo’s children.

“I’m a unique player. It’s good to come here, I broke all the records there [in Europe] and I want to break a few records here,” Ronaldo said earlier.

“I’m coming here to win, to play, to enjoy, to be part of the success of the country and culture of the country,” he added.

Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia said the signing of Ronaldo was a huge step for the Saudi Arabian league.

“In my life, I’ve seen that great players like Cristiano are the simplest to manage, because there’s nothing I can teach him,” Garcia told reporters.”Like he said, we are here to win, nothing else. I want him to enjoy playing with Al Nassr and winning with Al Nassr, just that.”

Ronaldo joins the nine-time Saudi champions just weeks after his departure from United following a TV interview in which he criticised the club and coach Erik ten Hag.

‘Greatest player in the world’

Al Nassr, the nine-time Saudi league champions, represent a significant drop in standards for the Portuguese forward, who spearheaded title-laden campaigns with United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

Othman Al Twaijri, a football analyst, said Ronaldo’s signing will inspire the Saudi league to achieve greater success.

“The amount of investment in Saudi football … in the kingdom has been enormous and I think it’s only going to go up from here,” Al Twaijri told Al Jazeera.

“They’re going to try and get big names – who knows, maybe we might get Messi … [or] any of those players who you’d normally see go towards previously China, previously Qatar, or … the United States of America,” he said, referring to Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi.

Al Twaijri said he expects the Saudi league to become one of the “top 10 in the world” by the year 2030, which is the year Saudi Arabia expects to have implemented a plan that seeks to diversify the kingdom’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil.

Ronaldo arrives just weeks after the World Cup in neighbouring Qatar , and as Saudi Arabia considers a joint Asia-Africa-Europe bid to host football’s biggest tournament with Egypt and Greece.

Well before his arrival, supporters carrying yellow “Ronaldo 7” flags and blue-and-yellow Al Nassr scarves turned up at the stadium, some of them looking for tickets.

Adam Seddik, an Al Ittihad fan from Jeddah, said he drove 900km (560 miles) to Riyadh to witness the spectacle.

“His presence will elevate the Saudi league value and its viewership,” said Seddik. “He is the greatest player in the world.”

Excitement is at a fever pitch over the arrival of Ronaldo, the highest-profile player to come to Saudi Arabia, the Gulf or any country in the Asian confederation.

Fans queued down the street to buy Ronaldo’s Al Nassr shirt with his trademark number seven, and Al Nassr’s Instagram page gained millions of new followers after his signing was made public.

Ronaldo’s signing comes against the backdrop of a Saudi push into sports including golf, boxing, tennis and F1 as well as football, following the Saudi takeover of English Premier League club Newcastle United last year.

Saudi Arabia, led by de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will host upcoming editions of the Asian Games and Asian Winter Games, as well as football’s men’s and women’s Asian Cups.

Cristiano Ronaldo unveiling RECAP: Al-Nassr presentation, salary and Newcastle transfer link

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward was unveiled in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday afternoon after completing his mega-money transfer to Al-Nassr

• Ronaldo's parting words 17:29
• Ronaldo greets the fans 17:17
• Cristiano Ronaldo makes his entrance 17:14
• Ronaldo greets his new team-mates 17:03
• Manager Rudi Garcia impressed by the turnout 16:39
• Updated 18:00, 3 Jan 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo was presented as an Al-Nassr player on Tuesday afternoon making him the highest paid footballer on the planet.

The former Manchester United striker arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia via his private jet on Monday evening. He then completed his medical as the physical formalities of the move were undertaken and has made his way to Mrsool Park Stadium.

Shortly after 4pm, Ronaldo was unveiled. The mega-money signing was first presented to the media in a press conference before greeting his new team-mates and manager in the dressing room and making his way out onto the pitch in front of a fan-filled stadium.

Depending on his fitness, Ronaldo could make his debut on Thursday against Al-Ta'ee. Failing that, the Saudi Pro League leaders face Al-Shabab on Saturday.

Look back on all the action as it unfolded below...

That's all from us

Thanks for joining us for Cristiano Ronaldo's unveiling at Al-Nassr.

That's all from us today, but we're sure to hear more from the star when he makes his debut for his new club.

Ready to get going

Garcia changes his tune.

Al-Nassr boss Rudi Garcia has underlined that he considers it to be an “honour” to manage Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese superstar was unveiled by the Saudi Arabian club.

Ronaldo completed a stunning move to the Saudi Arabia club on Friday and is expected to earn in the region of £173million per year.

The deal comes after Ronaldo ended his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent in November following a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.

Read more here

Ronaldo hits back at critics

Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at critics during his Al-Nassr unveiling - and backed up his words in his first meeting with his new colleagues.

On Tuesday, the former Manchester United superstar was presented in front of adoring supporters in Riyadh, after signing his eye-watering deal with the Saudi giants.

Ronaldo has been accused of chasing the money following his decision to ditch European football, instead signing a contract worth a reported £173 million-per-year in the Middle East.

A hint about Newcastle?

Cristiano Ronaldo has appeared to pour cold water on a possible future transfer to Newcastle United by insisting that his work in Europe is done.

The 37-year-old was unveiled by his new club Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, having put pen to paper on a deal worth an estimated £173 million per season.

Read the full story here

Potential debut dates

Cristiano Ronaldo is in a race with time to make his Al-Nassr debut on Thursday.

Al-Nassr fans are keen to see the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in action and he is set to make his debut as a second-half substitute against Al-Ta'ee on Thursday, if he's fit enough.

He is poised to make his first Al-Nassr start against Al-Shabab on Saturday, January 14.

Ronaldo's parting words

"I have the opportunity to say me and my family, we want to say thank you to all of you for your welcome," Ronaldo says.

He then leads the crowd in a cheer before making his way off the stage and off the pitch.

Ronaldo's family join him on the pitch

Cristiano Ronaldo's partner Georgina and Ronaldo's children have walked out onto the pitch.

The children are all decked out in Al-Nassr shirts as they receive their welcome.

One last gift for a fan

Ronaldo looks set to fire another ball into the stands but instead sees a young girl at the front and jogs up before throwing it to her.

The balls keep coming

What? You thought he'd only do it once?

Ronaldo's first touch in Al-Nassr colours

He has now signed a ball and kicked it high into the crowd.

Whoever gets their hands on it will be very grateful indeed.

Time for the photos

A group of Al-Nassr youngsters have joined Ronaldo for a photograph.

Members of the women's team have also joined the new signing, with the crowd remaining in full voice throughout.

Ronaldo's goal

"What I expect to achieve is to make people happy, to enjoy myself, to help the country to be better, better and better," Ronaldo says.

"I know the league is very competitive and I want to make people happy. This is my goal."

He also reiterates his desire to support women's football in Saudi Arabia as well as the men's game.

Ronaldo greets the fans

Ronaldo has to wait for the roars to die down before speaking to the fans for the first time.

"For me it's a pleasure to be here," he says. "I feel yestersday the welcome they gave to me and my family, and of course I will give my best for this club.

After he gives his answer, the crowd chant his name non-stop.

Ronaldo's promise to his club

"I promise I'll be quick out there for the presentation, to get to training," the 37-year-old said upon leaving the dressing room.

Remember, the next game is on Thursday.

Cristiano Ronaldo makes his entrance

After some short pitchside introductions [okay, not that short], Ronaldo has been unveiled to the waiting crowd.

The cheers are deafening even before he steps out in his Al-Nassr shirt, but then they reach another level.

No doubts about how excited these fans are.

A banner has been raised

'Bem Vindo [welcome], Ronaldo' is the simple message from the crowd.

More from Ronaldo

"I just want to say I feel very happy to be here. It's a big challenge for me to change from Europe to Asia but I know the group and it's fantastic," he says.

He adds that he has watched the team play and likes what he's seen in terms of the connection between squad members

"I'm here to help the team to win stuff, to enjoy and give my best," he adds.

More on Ronaldo's new challenge

“So far I'm feeling very good," he said.. "I’m so proud to make this decision in my life as you mentioned before in Europe my work is done.

"I won everything, I played at the most important clubs and for me now it is a new challenge in Asia."

Ronaldo greets his new team-mates

Ronaldo has been greeting his new team-mates, who include Cameroon star Vincent Aboubakar.

The club president is now saying some words.

Getting closer

The fans' enthusiasm doesn't seem to have waned as they wait for Ronaldo to appear.

How will this rank among the biggest unveilings

We're expecting big things from Ronaldo's unveiling, but will he be able to match Villarreal and Santi Cazorla?

Remind yourself of an all-timer here

How's that for a greeting

Your ears did not deceive you, that was a siuuuuu from the media at the press conference.

Ronaldo turned down a host of offers

Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested he turned down a host of clubs to secure a "unique opportunity" to play for Al-Nassr.

The 37-year-old icon was presented as a player for the Saudi Arabian club for the first time on Tuesday, having signed a whopping £173 million-per-year contract.

Ronaldo has signed on the dotted line following his acrimonious and bitter Manchester United exit was confirmed before the World Cup started in November.

From the press conference to the unveiling

The press conference part of proceedings is over, but we're not done.

Next, Ronaldo will be unveiled to the public in an Al-Nassr shirt for the first time.

More from Garcia

"He is an example, everyone knows that. My objective for Cristiano is make him happy and I want him to enjoy playing with Al-Nassr and winning with Al-Nassr."

Manager Rudi Garcia impressed by the turnout

"Normally after the game there is three or four journalists. Please, everyone is welcome to come after every game to speak about Cristiano's goal," Garcia adds.

"It's an honour for me but also for Al-Nassr to welcome Cristiano," the Frenchman says.

Rudi Garcia speaks

"Very happy" is the response of manager Rudi Garcia when asked how he feels.

Ronaldo ready to get going

The forward wants nothing more than to make his fresh start in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo's targets

"I'm coming here to win, to play, to enjoy," he says.

There is an audible hint of his trademark 'siuuu' celebration after his answer.

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Ronaldo officially unveiled as al nassr player to thousands of adoring fans.

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RIYADH - Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said his "work is done" in Europe, adding that he is relishing new challenges both on and off the pitch after being unveiled as a player of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Tuesday.

Ronaldo, who was a free agent following his acrimonious split with Manchester United in November, joined Al Nassr last week on a two-and-a-half-year deal estimated by media to be worth more than $210.94 million.

He was greeted by a sea of yellow and blue at Al Nassr's home ground Mrsool Park, where thousands of fans turned up to witness his unveiling.

Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr presentation

Cristiano Ronaldo arrives in style at the incredible unveiling at @AlNassrFC . The fans are not allowing them to conduct an interview. #HalaRonaldo pic.twitter.com/pT1Mml9A6d — The Sports Journal (@TSJSports) January 3, 2023

After addressing a news conference, Ronaldo was seen meeting with his new teammates in the dressing room. He then made his way onto the pitch, fully kitted out in the club's colors. The gathered fans loudly chanted his name as he walked around the 25,000-seater stadium signing footballs and firing them into the stands, before he was joined by his family.

"Me and my family, we want to say thank you to all of you for this support and your welcome," an emotional Ronaldo said after being handed a microphone. "We're going to give our best. Thank you everybody."

Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia with a vast collection of club honors after a glittering spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid from 2009-18 where he won two LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, four Champions League titles and three Club World Cups. He also claimed two Serie A titles and a Copa Italia trophy in three years at Juventus before rejoining United with whom he had bagged three Premier League crowns, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.

"I'm so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done," Ronaldo told a news conference. "I won everything, I played in the most important clubs in Europe and now it's a new challenge in Asia."

Ronaldo added that he had several potential suitors from all around the world following his exit from United, but chose to sign with Al Nassr because the move provided him a chance to make an impact off the pitch.

"I'm grateful to Al Nassr, for giving me this opportunity to develop football for the younger generation, for the women as well. For me, it's a challenge, but I also feel very happy and proud," Ronaldo said. "I can say now, I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia and the United States. Even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me, but I gave my word to this club, to develop not only football but also the other parts of this country."

The 37-year-old batted away questions about criticism of his move to Saudi Arabia, saying, "I'm a unique player, for me it's normal."

Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia said the signing of Ronaldo was a huge step for the Saudi Arabian league.

"In my life, I've seen that great players like Cristiano are the simplest to manage, because there's nothing I can teach him," Garcia told reporters. "Like he said, we are here to win, nothing else. I want him to enjoy playing with Al Nassr and winning with Al Nassr, just that."

Ronaldo's move has been the subject of countless rumors, with some reports saying his contract includes a clause which will allow him to join Newcastle United on loan, while others have alleged that the previous holder of the 'Number 7' shirt was cut loose from the squad for refusing to swap shirt numbers.

(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

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Cristiano Ronaldo: Time for a new challenge in Asia

Cristiano Ronaldo happy with his decision to take on a new challenge in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo says work in Europe is done and wants to promote football in Saudi

He had offers from all around the world after leaving Manchester United

Portuguese star wants to promote women's football in the country 

Cristiano Ronaldo says his work was done in Europe and is happy with his decision to join Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr as he looks to take on a new challenge in the Middle East. Having seen his Manchester United contract terminated in November after criticising the club in an inflammatory interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo sealed his move to Al Nassr last week. His decision to join the Riyadh-based side has surprised many, with it coming just a few months after Ronaldo attempted to leave United in search of Champions League football. However, the 37-year-old believes he has nothing left to prove in European football, claiming he turned down proposals from several clubs to sign his two-and-a-half-year deal with Al Nassr.

"I feel very good and proud because I made that big decision in my football life," said Ronaldo at his first press conference. "I did my mission in Europe well and achieved everything. Now it's time for a new challenge in Asia.

"Al-Nasr Club gave me the opportunity to go through a new experience and to be a source of inspiration for the current and future generations.

"My family is very happy to be in Saudi Arabia. When I made my decision, I got their support, especially from my children. I am very happy with the welcome I had yesterday. Everyone was very generous to me.

"This is a very important opportunity, not only sporting, but to change everyone's mentality. I got some offers from Europe, the USA, Portugal, Australia, and everywhere in the world, but I gave my word for Al Nassr, and expressed my desire to participate in the development of football here and to enrich Women's football experience, I hope people change their view of football here.

"Everyone talks, but not everyone knows everything. All teams are good and organised and all teams are capable of fighting. We must not forget what the Saudi national team achieved against Argentina in the World Cup, or what the teams of Korea, Japan, and others did. This is a quantum leap.

"As for me and I don't care what everyone says, I respect my decisions. Whatever happens here, I know that the Saudi League has a lot of competition. I watched some matches, and I may play my first match in a few days, if the coach allows me to do so.

"I broke all records in Europe, and I hope to break more here in Saudi Arabia. I came to Al Nassr to enjoy football, to win titles, and be part of that country."

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr unveiling got more views than 2022 Football World Cup final

Cristiano ronaldo's presentation reached 3 billion views on 40 channels around the world..

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr presentation got more views than Lionel Messi’s World Cup-winning moment.

Spanish journalist Pedro Sepulveda said Ronaldo’s presentation reached “3 billion views on 40 channels around the world”. He further added if the World Cup final between Argentina and France would have been telecasted on those 40 channels it would have surpassed the number.

Cristiano Ronaldo despite being presented couldn’t participate in the opening game of Al-Nassr. The star forward was in a VIP box as Al-Nassr won 2-0.

Ronaldo could not make his highly-anticipated debut in Riyadh because he was forced to comply with a two-match FA ban for smashing a young Everton fan’s phone while at United.

Ronaldo's reaction to @talisca_aa ’s 2nd Goal 👏🏼🤩 pic.twitter.com/6s1hLRFLAj — AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 6, 2023

According to FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), any sanction of up to four matches that has been issued to a player by their former association must be “enforced by the new association.”

The game against Al Tae’e was originally scheduled for Thursday but was postponed by 24 hours due to heavy rain.

Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United in a controversial fashion.

Ronaldo signed a contract through to the summer of 2025 and, according to reports, will receive $75 million per year to make him the highest-paid player in history.

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Ronaldo will also miss Al Nassr’s January 14 fixture against Riyadh rivals Al Shabab. His first opportunity to play for his new club will be against Al-Ettifaq at Mrsool Park on January 22.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr unveiling: Live updates from Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo will be unveiled as an Al Nassr player later today after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Saudi Arabian side.

The 37-year-old has sealed his first move outside of Europe following his sudden departure from Manchester United in November.

Follow live updates as Ronaldo is officially unveiled at the home of his new club.

That's all folks

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Ronaldo's entrace

He was Cristiano Ronaldo's walk onto the Al-Nassr pitch, where he received a warm welcome from the crowd...

Loads of people were watching that!

Up to 270,000 people were watching Ronaldo's unveiling on YouTube via Al-Nassr's live stream. That's a lot!

Ronaldo leaves the pitch

Ronaldo has now left the pitch with his family.

Ronaldo's family introduced!

Ronaldo's family are now coming onto the pitch and they have received a warm welcome.

The crowd are going wild

Ronaldo has just booted a ball into the crowd with cameras surrounding him.

The crowd are shouting 'SIU' as he approaches every stand one-by-one.

'I want to make people happy'

Ronaldo says he wants "to make people happy" ad is looking forward to playing for his new club.

Ronaldo's name rings across the stadium

The crowd sing as Ronaldo gives them a thumbs up. He says he will "give his all for the club" and that "it is an absolute pleasure to be here."

Ronaldo has arrived!

Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived on the pitch. There are fireworks alongside a massive lights display. It is some unveiling!

Ronaldo is in the tunnel!

Cristiano Ronaldo is in the tunnel, and walking towards the pitch...

We're getting closer!

The microphones are out and speeches are happening, which indicates he's about to arrive.

A training session after the unveiling?

We could also be in for a training session after Ronaldo's unveiling. That's what was heard on video. Let's see if it happens...

The camera crew are out and the noise has got louder

It looks like Ronaldo is about the enter very soon....We hope so anyway!

Ronaldo meets his teammates

Videos are being shown of Ronaldo greeting his new teammates, dressed up in Al-Nassr clothing.

The entire squad have come to meet him, what a moment!

Ronaldo is making the crowd wait

The fans are still in buoyant mood as they wait to get a first in-person look of Ronaldo in an Al Nassr shirt.

He's taking a while to get changed out of his suit but hopefully he will be with us shortly.

In the meantime, we are back to listening to the dance music and watching a light show...

Ronaldo is about to enter the pitch

The press conference is now over.

Ronaldo is getting changed from his suit into Al Nassr's shirt and will then address his new supporters.

Rudi Garcia on Ronaldo's arrival

"Cristiano is one of the best footballers in the world. It's an honour for me and also for Al Nassr.

"It's a fantastic thing that Ronaldo is here to play. Great, great players like Ronaldo are easy to manage.

"We are here to play and to win.

"The most important thing is he's here and we need to play and win.

"He's an example. Everybody knows that. My goal and objective is to make him happy."

Ronaldo: I want to be successful

"I come to be successful. I want to enjoy and play football."

Ronaldo on how competitive the league is

"Many people speak and give their opinions but they don't know much about football.

"All the teams are ready. You have many surprises, South Korea, the African teams, Costa Rica.

"I don't care what people say. I know this league is competitive. I hope to play after tomorrow."

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Al Nassr was dubbed the “Global” club even before Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo walks during his official unveiling as a new member of Al Nassr soccer club in in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. Ronaldo, who has won five Ballon d’Ors awards for the best soccer player in the world and five Champions League titles, will play outside of Europe for the first time in his storied career. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Cristiano Ronaldo smiles during his official unveiling as a new member of Al Nassr soccer club in in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.Ronaldo, who has won five Ballon d’Ors awards for the best soccer player in the world and five Champions League titles, will play outside of Europe for the first time in his storied career. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for his official unveiling as a new member of Al Nassr soccer club in in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. Ronaldo, who has won five Ballon d’Ors awards for the best soccer player in the world and five Champions League titles, will play outside of Europe for the first time in his storied career. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Vehicles pass under a billboard showing Cristiano Ronaldo with Arabic reading, “Welcome Ronaldo”, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, late Monday, Jan 2, 2023. Ronaldo completed a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Friday in a deal that is a landmark moment for Middle Eastern soccer but will see one of Europe’s biggest stars disappear from the sport’s elite stage. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo’s new team Al Nassr is nicknamed Al Alami, meaning “The Global Club.”

However, the Saudi Arabian club was hardly prepared to handle the sudden attention of the world that came its way following one of the most sensational signings in soccer history.

Al Nassr still doesn’t have an English language website, which was a problem for many fans when trying to learn the details of Ronaldo’s contract after the deal was announced last Friday.

Posted on the club’s Twitter account were two simple photos, taken in Madrid following the conclusion of negotiations. It took a further 10 minutes for the English language feed to be updated with the news.

Approaching a week since the signing, Al Nassr’s social media accounts have become more user friendly for a western audience, but its website remains in Arabic only.

Its Instagram account has jumped from 1.2 million followers to 9.6 million and counting.

Ronaldo has given Al Nassr instant fame beyond the confines of Asia and it is having to quickly catch up with its newfound status.

An outside public relations firm has been enlisted to help deal with the sudden influx of media requests, while Ronaldo also has his own publicist to call on.

His presentation at the club’s 25,000-capacity Mrsool Park on Tuesday included a stage-managed news conference in which no questions were invited from the media in attendance.

Al Nassr’s nickname came as a result of it becoming the first Asian team to play in a global competition at the inaugural Club World Cup in Brazil in 2000.

Yet, it will have been little known to many fans around the world before the links to Ronaldo emerged in November.

Arguably, it is not even the most famous club in Riyadh.

Neighbor Al Hilal is the most successful team in Saudi soccer, having won 18 titles and four Asian Champions Leagues.

Al Nassr plays at the former stadium of Al Hilal, which was also linked with a move for Ronaldo.

That is just another reason for Al Nassr fans to celebrate his arrival.

They queued in the rain to get a first glimpse of the 37-year-old forward ahead of his presentation, and chanted his name raucously when he stepped onto the field in the club colors of yellow and blue and his No. 7 on the back of his shirt.

Al Nassr president Musalli Almuammar said the signing was about more than winning trophies and rather about changing the face of the club and Saudi soccer.

“To have the greatest football player is an indication we have a vision to bring Saudi football to a better position,” he said.

Ronaldo, however, has come here to win in what is likely the last move of his storied career.

Leading Al Nassr to a 10th league title at the expense of defending champion Al Hilal would be a good start to life at his new club.

Inspiring it to its first Asian Champions League crown next season would be an historic achievement and, for Ronaldo, the closest he will get to replicating the heights of his career when winning five Champions Leagues with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Al Nassr, like all teams in the Saudi league, is owned by the government, but run independently.

Almuammar was a former president of the Saudi Pro League and is an adviser to the General Entertainment Authority, which was established to improve the “quality of life” in the country.

He is also known for his work as a sports news analyst and columnist.

He once held an internship at Manchester United where he was a marketing researcher.

Almuammar’s education includes time at Harvard and Manchester Metropolitan University.

It was notable that Almuammar did not deny Ronaldo’s deal made him the highest paid player in soccer history this week, even if he refused to confirm reports that the contract was worth up to $200 million a year.

Given that the questions at the presentation came from the arranged host, Saudi newsreader Weam Al Dakheel, rather than journalists on the floor, it was evidently a subject he was happy to address.

Full details, such as bonuses and incentives, have not been disclosed. Also, it is not known how the deal was funded, although Almuammar spoke of the commercial agreements Ronaldo’s arrival would generate, with announcements set to come.

Almuammar made a point of thanking Muhammad Al Khuraiji, a prominent businessman, who he described as his “optimistic brother” in a Twitter post. Al Khuraiji owns Saudi Media Company (SMC), which owns Mrsool Park.

He and SMC were linked with a bid for Chelsea last year after the English Premier League club was put up for sale and then-owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the U.K. government.

It is not known what involvement he had in the signing of Ronaldo, but it was significant enough for Almuammar to thank him “foremost” among those who worked on what he described as “the most important deal in the history of Saudi sports.”

James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

• Middle East

Saudi Arabia Is Getting the World’s First ‘Ronaldo Correspondent’

A s far as dream jobs go, becoming the world’s first “ Ronaldo Correspondent ” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, may seem like a niche post but the role is already attracting an inbox full of applications.

Arabian Business , a weekly business magazine published in Dubai, is seeking a reporter to cover the 37-year-old soccer titan’s move to Riyadh-based club Al Nassr Tuesday, in a record $214 million a year deal. The two-year contract makes Ronaldo the highest paid athlete in the world and Arabian Business plans to chart the highs and lows of his next chapter.

“Arabian Business is committed to covering the biggest stories in the Middle East, and nothing is bigger than Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia,” says Matthew Amlot, the publication’s managing editor. “We’re looking for a young, dynamic reporter who can help us train the spotlight on what the football megastar’s move means for Saudi Arabia, the Arabian Gulf, and the Middle East,” Amlot adds, noting that they have received over 1,000 applicants in the past 24 hours from applicants around the world.

Read More: Messi or Ronaldo? The 2022 World Cup Settled the GOAT Debate

In the job listing, Amlot said that the demanding full-time role would cover all matches at Al Nassr, as well as media and commercial-related events. The reporter’s remit will also include daily updates about Ronaldo as he settles into his new life in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr has been criticized. But the transfer dovetails with Saudi Arabia’s plans to encourage sport in the kingdom. Under Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom has pushed to reduce its dependence on oil and liberalize social mores—even as it increasingly cracks down on dissent .

The deal has already sparked a huge wave of attention on Al Nassr. The team’s number of Instagram followers has ballooned to around 9 million, from below 1 million prior to news that Ronaldo joined the team.

Ronaldo arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, where he completed a medical assessment ahead of his official presentation the next day. Greeted by a crowd of 25,000 people at Mrsool Park in Riyadh, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star also spoke about his upcoming prospects at a press conference.

“I feel so proud to make this big decision in my life,” Ronaldo told his new home supporters. “In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and now this is a new challenge. I’m grateful Al Nassr have given me this opportunity, not only for the football but for the young generation and the female generation.”

Read More: Ronaldo’s World Cup Comes to an End With Portugal Loss

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner brings a host of sporting accolades to Al Nassr, a team that was established in 1955 in the Saudi capital. Al Nassr plays in the country’s top division—the Saudi Professional League (SPL)—which consists of 18 teams. Al Nassr ranks second in the SPL with nine titles, behind Al Hilal, another Riyadh based team, who have won 18 titles.

During Tuesday’s press conference, Ronaldo acknowledged that his lucrative contract is unique but added, “I’m a unique player, so for me it’s normal. I really don’t worry about what people say. I am really, really happy to be here.”

Ronaldo departed Manchester United on acrimonious terms in November, just days after delivering an explosive interview where he said he felt betrayed by the Old Trafford club and did not respect Erik ten Hag, the team’s Dutch manager. More awkwardly, Ronaldo told interview host Piers Morgan he was right for saying it was not just about money for the soccer player or else he would be in Saudi Arabia earning “the King’s ransom .”

Ronaldo is expected to make his Al Nassr debut either on Thursday during the team’s match against Saudi Pro-League club Al-Tai or on Saturday against Al Shabab. Millions of eyes will be fixed on Ronaldo during his first match, which will leave Arabian Business ’s correspondent with a strong first assignment on their hands—if the publication can sift through applicants soon enough.

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Cristiano Ronaldo breaks another record after brace for Al Nassr

Cristiano ronaldo has broken a huge record in his first full season in the saudi pro league..

Josh Lawless

Cristiano Ronaldo has added another incredible record to his collection and one that may never be beaten.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner made the move to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in December 2022, with the transfer leading to a whole host of high-profile players joining him in the Middle East.

Ronaldo , said to be the highest-paid player in world football, hit 14 goals in 16 league games after leaving Manchester United via mutual consent.

But in his first full season in the SPL, he's proven that age is just a number and continues to bang in the goals aged 39.

Ronaldo's brace in a 4-2 win over Al Ittihad in the final game of the season takes him to an impressive tally of 35 goals in 31 league appearances.

He's also contributed further with 11 assists but the double means he has set a new record for the most amount of goals in a single Saudi Pro League season.

The previous record was held by Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah when he was plying his trade with Al Nassr.

He hit 34 goals in 26 games in the 2018/19 campaign.

Al Nassr, wit h Sadio Mane , Aymeric Laporte and Alex Telles also in their ranks, have finished second in the league.

Ronaldo has netted 50 goals in all competitions and could yet see his overall goalscoring stats improve as Al Nassr take on champions Al Hilal in the Kings Cup final on Friday.

He has now finished as the top scorer in all four leading leagues he played in, showing his prowess in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and the Saudi Pro League.

His contract with Al Nassr expires in June 2025 but there are suggestions that he could extend his stay.

Once the season finishes, the Real Madrid legend will lead Portugal into Euro 2024 in what could be his final international tournament.

Topics:  Cristiano Ronaldo , Manchester United , Saudi Pro League

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@ joshlawless_

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Ronaldo breaks all-time saudi record for goals in single season, share this article.

Cristiano Ronaldo may be nearing the end of his career, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still setting new records.

The Al Nassr star scored two goals against Al Ittihad on Monday, his 34th and 35th of the season.

Ronaldo’s second goal, a towering header off a corner kick in the 69th minute, broke the all-time Saudi Pro League record for goals in a single season.

The 39-year-old reached the mark in just 31 league games, also tallying 11 league assists for Al Nassr in a standout campaign. Overall, Ronaldo has 50 goals in the 2023-24 season.

The record was previously held by Abderrazak Hamdallah, who scored 34 goals in the the 2018-19 season for Al Nassr as well.

Ronaldo set the record in Al Nassr’s final league game of the season, with the club guaranteed to finish second behind Al Hilal.

Al Nassr will have a chance to get some revenge on Friday when it faces Al Hilal in the King Cup final.

Watch Ronaldo’s record-setting goal

CR7 BRACE!! 💪 Record. Broken. 35 goals in RSL play and 50 in all competitions this year for Cristiano Ronaldo 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/uPD05MkzSk — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 27, 2024

Al Nassr 2024-25 kit leaks as Ronaldo spotted wearing new shirt

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Cristiano Ronaldo's real reason for joining Al Nassr REVEALED

C ristiano Ronaldo’s first full season with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia is moving towards an end after delivering many celebrity appearances and gaining millions of pounds.

However, the Al Nassr player did not win any league title. On the back of a fiery interview with Piers Morgan, where he spoke against his former employers at Manchester United, the Portuguese player became part of Al Nassr in 2022, according to Daily Mail .

Fans expected more trophies from Cristiano Ronaldo when he set to play for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. 

Ronaldo and his team Al Nassr are on 79 points from 33 games, as they went into the final game of the season on Monday. Interestingly, a staggering 14 behind champions Al Hilal, though remain 17 ahead of Al Ahli in third.

Cristiano Ronaldo still remains one of the best players in the world for his fans even though he is 39 now. He is looking to prove more at Euro 2024 this summer with Portugal.

Ronaldo’s real reason behind joining Al Nassr has been speculated to only be money. He was known as the first giant name to join Saudi Arabian Al Nassr. Following him, players like Karim Benzema and Neymar also came to Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, last summer, Ronaldo also disclosed that he was struggling to adapt to the heat of the country.