Cristiano Ronaldo, who has described himself as a “one-time player”, said on Tuesday his work in Europe was “over” and his move to Saudi club Al-Nassr in Riyadh did not mean the end of his career.
“In Europe my job is done, I’ve won everything, I’ve played for the biggest clubs,” the Portuguese superstar, 37, told a press conference at Riyadh’s Msool Park stadium.
“Many clubs wanted me”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who broke with Manchester United at the start of the World Cup, has signed a contract until June 2025 for a total amount 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 who had arrived in Ryad the night before.
Ronaldo, the record holder for the number of goals scored in the selection and in the Champions League, stressed that football has changed in the “last ten or twenty years”, citing the victory of the Saudi Arabian national team 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 at all what people say. “I’m a unique player. It’s nice to come here, I broke all the records there (in Europe, ed.) and I want to break more here,” he said again.
