Cristiano Ronaldo, who called himself a “one-time player”, said on Tuesday his job in Europe was “finished” and his move to Saudi club Al-Nassr in Riyadh did not mean the end of his career.
“In Europe my work is done, I won everything, I played in the most important clubs,” the Portuguese superstar, 37, told a press conference at Riyadh’s Mrsool Park stadium.
“Many clubs wanted me”
The five-time Ballon d’Or, who broke with Manchester United at the start of the World Cup, signed up until June 2025 for a total sum estimated at 200 million euros. “Many clubs in Europe but also in Brazil, Australia, the United States and even Portugal tried to sign me but I had given my word to this club”, assured the 37-year-old star striker, arrived the night before in Ryad.
Ronaldo, the record holder for the number of goals scored in the selection and in the Champions League, underlined that football had changed in the “last ten to twenty years”, citing the victory of the national team of Saudi Arabia against Argentina in the first world tour.
“So for me, coming to Saudi Arabia is not the end of my career,” he continued. “And to be honest, I don’t care what people say at all. “I am a unique player. It’s good to come here, I broke all the records there (in Europe, editor’s note) and I want to beat a few more here, ”he said again.