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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Will Freeman

Al-Nassr issue statement on £300m Cristiano Ronaldo contract claim after Man United exit

Cristiano Ronaldo's new club Al-Nassr have moved to deny reports that the former Manchester United star could be set to double his salary by becoming an ambassador for Saudi Arabia's 2030 World Cup bid.

The forward joined the Saudi club last month following his acrimonious departure from Old Trafford, although he is yet to make his debut for the side due to a two-game suspension that he picked up while playing for the Premier League side. Ronaldo's deal with Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Nassr will earn him a reported £175 million per season for the next two years.

Earlier reports from AFP had claimed that he could earn £300 million per year should he accept an offer to take on an ambassadorial role for Saudi Arabia's World Cup bid, but this has now been denied by his club.

A statement from the club said: "Al Nassr FC would like to clarify that contrary to news reports, Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Al Nassr does not entail commitments to any World Cup bids.

"His main focus is on Al Nassr and to work with his teammates to help the club achieve success."

READ MORE: United make Victor Osimhen 'main summer target' and other transfer rumours

A spokesperson for former Manchester United forward Ronaldo has previously denied that he has accepted a role with the bid, but did not rule out the chance of him accepting an offer in the future. Should he accept, he would follow in the footsteps of David Beckham who took a reported £120 million to promote the Qatar World Cup.

The ex-United midfielder was criticised for this move, with his endorsement of a country whose human rights record and stance on LGBT rights drawing negative press. Saudi Arabia are similarly placed, with their poor record on freedom of speech and treatment of migrant workers outlined by Amnesty International.

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