Cristiano Ronaldo arrives in Riyadh as Al-Nassr share exclusive footage in welcome video
Cristiano Ronaldo has touched down in Riyadh following his move to Al-Nassr, and the Saudi Arabian club have documented his arrival.
The iconic forward has agreed on an astounding £173 million-per-year deal with the Saudi side. He eclipses Lionel Messi as the world's highest-paid player. The agreement with Al-Nassr will see him play a role in Saudi Arabia's bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The excitement reached fever pitch in Riyadh upon the arrival of one of the greatest players in history. Al-Nassr released a welcome video that followed Cristiano Ronaldo and his family's arrival:
Touchdown Riyadh 🤩
@Cristiano #HalaRonaldo 💛
https://t.co/ZUflrsBewX
The 37-year-old is the biggest name to be signed by a Saudi club, and he joins an Al-Nassr side who are top of the Saudi Pro League. Al-Nassr released a tweet hyping the welcome ceremony of their blockbuster signing:
"Tomorrow is Tuesday. Fans receive their player Cristiano Ronaldo 🤩. 7 pm 🔥. In Victory Square. HalaRonaldo 💛."
الحـدث المنتظـر 🌏
حفل استقبـال اللاعب الأعظـم عالمـيًا 🤩
غـدًا الثلاثـاء
جماهيــر #النصر تستقبل لاعبها كريستيانو رونالدو 🤩
السابعة مسـاءً 🔥
في ساحة النـصـر #مرسول_بارك 🏟️
#HalaRonaldo 💛 https://t.co/y01zHb7TYP
The Portuguese will undergo the first part of his medical, with the second coming a few days later. He's set to be unveiled by the Saudi club at 4 pm BST on Tuesday (January 3). The welcome ceremony is set to take place during an open training session at the club's 25,000-capacity Mrsool Stadium.
Ronaldo will hope to get back to goalscoring form after a difficult season with club and country. The Portuguese icon netted just three goals and contributed two assists in 16 appearances across competitions for Manchester United this season.
He gave an explosive interview with journalist Piers Morgan, where he took issue with his game time at Old Trafford. Ronaldo subsequently parted ways with the Red Devils after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract. The feeling was that he would secure a move to a top European side, but that didn't happen.
Ronaldo also endured a disappointing 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with Portugal. He scored just onece in five appearances as the Selecao bowed out in the quarterfinals.
Cristiano Ronaldo does not have clause in contract that would allow him to join Newcastle United on loan
Marca reported a clause in Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr that would allow the player o join Newcastle on loan if they secure UEFA Champions League football.
The Magpies are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, who also own Al-Nassr. Newcastle are flying high in third position in the Premier League, and Champions League qualification is a real possibility.
Cristiano Ronaldo dribbling 🔥
#UCL https://t.co/Fg613hsLHe
However, Calciomercato expert Rudy Galetti has quashed speculation over the aforementioned clause in Ronaldo's contract. He tweeted that there's no clause in Ronaldo's deal with Al-Nassr that would allow him to join Newcastle.
Ronaldo enjoyed a phenomenal career in European football, winning the UEFA Champions League trophy five times, including three in a row. He has scored 140 goals in 183 games.