Ronaldo was unveiled in Saudi Arabia this week and given a rapturous reception after accepting a lucrative contract that makes him the highest-paid footballer of all time and the highest-profile signing to ever head to the Middle East.
Having asked to leave United last summer, it was thought that the Portuguese wanted a new challenge at a Champions League club but a procession of top sides distanced themselves from a deal. A public falling-out with Erik ten Hag saw Ronaldo’s contract mutually terminated on the eve of the World Cup.
After weeks of rumours, Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr was confirmed on Friday but supporters won’t get to see him in action until he serves a two-match ban.
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With Messi claiming seven Ballon d’Ors during his own illustrious career and Ronaldo on five, the duo are hailed as two of the best footballers of all time. Messi could even add to that total later this year after his heroic performances at the World Cup in Qatar, during which he fired Argentina to glory.
Ronaldo will naturally want to get one up on the PSG ace if they face off later this month but Messi is in imperious form this season, notching seven goals and 10 assists in just 13 Ligue 1 games. By contrast, Ronaldo had been limited to just four Premier League starts while at Man Utd, notching one league goal during his fall-out with Ten Hag.
“I gave my word for [Al-Nassr],” explained Ronaldo during his unveiling this week. “I won everything, I played for the most important clubs in Europe and now it is a new challenge in Asia.”
“As nobody knows, I can say now I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, Australia, the US, even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me. I know the league is very competitive, I saw many games. I hope to play after [Wednesday] if the coach thinks there’s a chance. I’m ready to keep playing football.”
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