Ronaldo finalizes record-breaking Saudi move

The Portuguese star left Manchester United in acrimonious circumstances last month

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the highest paid footballer in history after agreeing a bumper deal to sign for Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr until 2025.

The Portuguese, who turns 38 in February, was a free agent after leaving Manchester United by mutual decision in the days after he delivered a scathing assessment of the English football club in an interview with UK television host Piers Morgan.

It has been reported that Ronaldo’s contract is the single biggest deal ever signed by a professional footballer at around $214 million per year.

Ronaldo said upon completion of the move that he is “eager to experience a new football league in a different country”.

“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,” he added.

Announcing the deal, nine-time Saudi Pro League champions Al Nassr said they expect Ronaldo’s influence to be a significant boost to football in the region.

“History in the making,” they wrote on social media.

“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.”

The deal comes several months after Ronaldo turned down a big money offer from another Saudi side, Al Hilal, with the player saying he preferred to stay within European football.

Here’s Cristiano Ronaldo with Al Nassr shirt after contract signed until June 2025