Cristiano Ronaldo and his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez will be allowed to break Saudi Arabia law during their time in the kingdom.
The Portuguese star recently completed his mega-money move to the Middle East, joining Al-Nassr on a two-and-a-half year deal. His family have followed him to Saudi Arabia following his sudden and controversial exit from Manchester United.
Laws in the kingdom do prohibit unmarried couples cohabitating, however lawyers have reportedly confirmed the Saudi authorities will "turn a blind eye", thus allowing Ronaldo and his partner to settle into their first luxury property whilst they seek out a more permanent home.
A lawyer told EFE : "Although the laws of the kingdom still prohibit cohabitation without a marriage contract, the authorities have recently started to turn a blind eye and no longer prosecute anyone. Although these laws are used when there is a problem or a crime."
Ronaldo is yet to play for his new club, despite being registered. He has taken the place of Cameroon star Vincent Aboubakar, who has been released, with his first outing for Al-Nassr potentially coming against Al-Ettifaq on January 22. The 37-year-old was forced to serve a two-game ban, which he picked up in England, thus delaying his debut.
Before that he could make an appearance for a Saudi All-Star team though, who will play in a friendly against PSG on January 19. Ronaldo has not been seen on a pitch since Portugal's shock World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner appearing from the bench, before storming straight down the tunnel in tears following the defeat.
Has Ronaldo made the right decision in moving to Saudi Arabia? Have your say in the comments below.
Ronaldo has claimed he's conquered all he can in Europe which is why he's opted for a switch to the Middle East. He said: "I feel so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and now this is a new challenge.
"I'm grateful Al Nassr have given me this opportunity, not only for the football but for the young generation and the female generation. For me, this is a challenge but I feel very happy and very proud."
His new manager, Rudi Garcia, has said on the superstar's arrival: “It’s great. Great for us, for Al-Nassr. Great for Saudi Arabia. Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a player. He is one of the best players in the world. It’s amazing how much it’s put a spotlight on our club.
“The greatest champions are the easiest to manage. He blended in with the squad. We saw him joking and laughing with pleasure with his new teammates. He was with us for the last game, even if he couldn’t play. He was in the locker room, riding his bike.”
