When being introduced to the media by his new squad, Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo accidentally said he was in South Africa rather than Saudi Arabia.
At his glitzy ceremony for being launched in Riyadh on Tuesday, Ronaldo rejected allegations that joining the Saudi league represented a substantial drop for a player who has asserted he is still capable of competing at the highest level.
Ronaldo wrongly told the media that his relocation to South Africa was not the end of his career while defending his decision to move to Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo claimed that aside from the geographical blunder, he was just as keen as ever to sign a “unique” contract to join Al Nassr.
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“My work is finished in Europe. I played for the most prestigious clubs in Europe and won everything. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner stated during his presentation at Mrsool Park stadium, “This is a new task.
After his contract at Manchester United was terminated in November as a result of an explosive interview with UK television personality Piers Morgan, Ronaldo relocated to the Middle East.
When commercial agreements are taken into account, the Portuguese star’s two and a half year contract with Al Nassr is rumoured to be worth up to €200 million ($212 million) a season, which is a number thought to be a record for a footballer.
“I beat all the records there [in Europe]. I want to beat a few records here. This contract is unique but I’m a unique player, so for me it’s normal,” said Ronaldo.
“I really don’t worry about what people say. I am really, really happy to be here. I know the [Saudi] league is very competitive.”
Ronaldo insisted that despite allegedly getting offers from other clubs, he had “given his word” to sign with Al Nassr.
“Nobody knows this, but I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia, America, Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me,” said the forward.
“I gave my word to this club. I want to give a different vision of this country and football. This is why I took this opportunity.”
According to rumours in Portugal, Ronaldo signed a contract with Al Nassr after parting ways with longstanding super-agent Jorge Mendes.
The football star’s choice to go with his explosive interview with Morgan, which led to Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United on the eve of the World Cup, is alleged to have caused the two to disagree.
Ronaldo left the field in tears after Portugal’s quarterfinal match against Morocco. Ronaldo had only scored once during the tournament and had been moved to the bench by manager Fernando Santos.
