“You have to be remembered for your talent, not for what you earned” - When Zlatan Ibrahimovic questioned Saudi transfers after Cristiano Ronaldo move
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was not happy with Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to join Al Nassr. The Swede took shots at the Portuguese superstar and claimed that he could not figure out the objective and motivation behind the move.
Speaking to British broadcaster Piers Morgan back in October 2023, Ibrahimovic revealed that he had offers from China and Saudi Arabia, but decided not to make the move. He said that he wanted to end his career on a high: (via ESPN)
"I had an offer also from China. I had an offer also from Saudi, but the situation is, what do you want? What objectives do you have? I said before we started, like certain players need to finish their career on the big stage because that is the high end of your career. You have to be remembered for your talent, not for what you earned.
"Because if you were remembered in the opposite way, what we are training every day for, what we are being recognised for, is our talent and that's what you want to be remembered for. So I think certain players that reach a certain level, they have to stop at a certain stage, and that's the big stage."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has now retired from professional football, while Cristiano Ronaldo continues at Al Nassr. He is reportedly open to signing a new deal at the club.
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo decide to join Al Nassr?
Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr after his contract at Manchester United was mutually terminated. The Portuguese icon signed a world record deal to make the move to the Middle East and at the unveiling, he talked about his desire to experience the football culture in a new league. He said via GOAL:
"I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country. The vision of what Al Nassr are doing and developing in Saudi Arabia both in terms of men's and women's football is very inspiring. We can see from Saudi Arabia's recent performance at the World Cup that this is a country with big football ambitions and a lot of potential.
"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."
The former Real Madrid star has been with Al Nassr since December 2022 but has not managed to help them win the league. They have finished second in both the seasons he has been with the Saudi Pro League side.