Work in Europe done says Ronaldo as player is presented at Al Nassr

Record ID: 1705028

  • Title: Work in Europe done says Ronaldo as player is presented at Al Nassr
  • Date: 3rd January 2023
  • Summary: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA (JANUARY 3, 2023) (REUTERS) ***WARNING: CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** NEW AL NASSR STRIKER, CRISTIANO RONALDO, ARRIVING AT MRSOOL PARK LOGO OF AL NASSR FOOTBALL CLUB RONALDO ENTERING NEWS CONFERENCE PRESENTER TALKING ON PODIUM (SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW AL NASSR STRIKER, CRISTIANO RONALDO, SAYING: "Well so far feeling very good. I'm so proud to make this big decision in my life, in football. As you mentioned before, in Europe, my work, it's done. I won everything. I played the most important clubs in Europe. And for me now, it's a new challenge. As you mentioned in Asia, I'm grateful that Al Nassr gave me this opportunity to show and develop not only for the football, but also for the generation, the young generation, the women's generation as well, for the young boys. And for me, it's a challenge, but in the same way I feel very, very happy, and very proud." RONALDO, AL NASSR PRESIDENT, MOSSALI AL MOAMAR, AND COACH RUDI GARCIA AT PRESS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW AL NASSR STRIKER, CRISTIANO RONALDO, SAYING: "I'm a unique player so it's good coming here. I beat all records there so I want to beat a few records here as well. So for me, it's a good chance, as you say this contract is unique because I'm a unique player as well so for me it's normal." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic ) AL NASSR PRESIDENT, MOSSALI AL MOAMAR, SAYING: "He is the best player in football history so it’s normal that he becomes the player with the highest salary in the world, this is something he deserves and we only gave him what he deserves, but, I want to clarify another side of the negotiation which reflects how professional Cristiano is. During the negotiations one of the discussion points he showed that in all other matters he wants to be treated like all the players on the team from bonuses and club roles, he wanted to be like any other player and that is something expected from him. He is a big, professional player and a role model for many young players around the world." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS/ PEOPLE APPLAUDING IN THE BACKGROUND (SOUNDBITE) (English) AL NASSR COACH, RUDI GARCIA, SAYING: “Cristiano is one of the best players in the world and in the history of the football he is a legend, it is an honor for sure for me but also for Al Nassr to welcome Cristiano and I’m sure that for Roshn Saudi league and also for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia it’s really fantastic thing that Cristiano is coming with us to play.” RONALDO LEAVING CONFERENCE
  • Embargoed: 17th January 2023 20:34
  • Keywords: Al Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo Mossali Al Moamar Rudi Garcia Saudi Arabia Soccer
  • Location: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
  • City: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
  • Country: Saudi Arabia
  • Topics: Middle East,Soccer,Sport
  • Reuters ID: LVA001019003012023RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said his "work is done" in Europe, adding that he is relishing new challenges both on and off the pitch after being unveiled as a player of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Tuesday (January 3).
    Ronaldo, who was a free agent following his acrimonious split with Manchester United in November, joined Al Nassr last week on a 2-1/2 year deal estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($210.94 million).
    He was greeted by a sea of yellow and blue at Al Nassr's home ground Mrsool Park, where thousands of fans turned up to witness his unveiling.
    Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia with a vast collection of club honours after a glittering spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid from 2009-18 where he won two LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, four Champions League titles and three Club World Cups.
    He also claimed two Serie A titles and a Copa Italia trophy in three years at Juventus before rejoining United with whom he had bagged three Premier League crowns, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.
    "I'm so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done," Ronaldo told a news conference.
    "I won everything, I played in the most important clubs in Europe and now it's a new challenge in Asia."
    The 37-year-old batted away questions about criticism of his move to Saudi Arabia, saying, "I'm a unique player as well so for me it's normal."
    Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia said the signing of Ronaldo was a huge step for the Saudi Arabian league.
    "Cristiano is one of the best players in the world and in the history of football. He is a legend, it is an honor for sure for me but also for Al Nassr to welcome Cristiano," Garcia told reporters.
    Al Nassr president Mossali Al Muammar was also effusive in his praise of Ronaldo, calling him the "best player in football history."
    ($1 = 0.9481 euros)
    (Production: Mohammed Benmansour, Henry Rounce)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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