Ronaldo might not be done with the World Cup just yet.
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed his end as a player at the very top of his game after he was formally announced by Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo completed the move on Friday night and has put pen to paper on a deal worth a reported £173m a year through his basic salary, bonuses and image rights.
As part of his many bonuses, Ronaldo’s contract also contains a special clause which will see him become an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid, as per Marca.
The Gulf state has plans to host the 2030 World Cup in a joint bid alongside Greece and Egypt and want Ronaldo to become the poster boy to ensure football’s biggest competition comes to the Middle East once again.
History in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome @Cristiano to your new home @AlNassrFC pic.twitter.com/oan7nu8NWC
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) December 30, 2022
He will also be joined by Lionel Messi as an ambassador for the country as they represent Saudi’s image abroad. Messi reportedly earns around £20m a year in return for promoting tourism in the country and has already visited the country once as part of a state visit in May.
Both Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher reacted to the news of Ronaldo’s move on Friday night and admitted that it is a “sad end” to what has otherwise been an illustrious career.
🗣️ "We're seeing the last of Ronaldo at the top level"
Gary Neville reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr! pic.twitter.com/ImYKRRiwKR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 30, 2022
“I felt as though he would want to stay in Europe, it tells me that the offers are staggering and the clubs didn’t come in for him,” Neville said.
“There’s an element of sadness for me – (the) last of Ronaldo at the top level. That had to come to an end at Old Trafford – it looks like Cristiano is finishing his career in Saudi.”
Meanwhile, Carragher added: It’s a sad end for him isn’t it? Ronaldo has finished his career with an interview with Piers Morgan and Messi has won the World Cup.”
In an interesting twist, Ronaldo and Messi may set to reunite on the pitch again once more following the Portugal international’s latest move.
PSG are travelling to the Middle East for a mid-season friendly, where they are set to face a combined eleven of players from Al Nassr and Al Hilal.
Ronaldo completed his move to Al Nassr on Friday night following weeks of speculation after he left Manchester United by mutual consent.
