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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Cristiano Ronaldo takes step closer to next move after Manchester United departure

Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a step closer to joining his next club after leaving Manchester United.

Ronaldo, 37, headed to the World Cup in Qatar with Portugal as a free agent after United and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner parted ways for the second time. It came following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised the club, Erik ten Hag and several key figures associated past and present.

Ultimately, there was no way back for Ronaldo at Old Trafford - as reports claim the superstar has been booked in for a medical ahead of his next move. As per CBS Sports and other international outlets, Saudi club Al Nassr have pencilled in that formality and offered him $75million (£62m) per season in his contract.

READ MORE: Ten Hag gives Martinez update

The CBS article indicates Al Nassr are so confident Ronaldo will sign that they have booked accommodation for him and his advisors. Ronaldo has been represented by Jorge Mendes - and the famed Gestifute agency - throughout a remarkable career which has seen him play for Sporting Lisbon, United (twice), Real Madrid and Juventus.

Speculation over Ronaldo and his future had been at fever pitch since the summer, when he expressed a desire to leave United with no Champions League place on offer. However, despite links to Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and first club Sporting, there were no takers for the Portugal captain at that time.

It meant that he was forced to stay put at Old Trafford - scoring just once in the Premier League this season before his eventual departure under controversial circumstances. Ronaldo would earn £830,000 per week - with additional bonuses - should he sign for Al Nassr as well as being handed a role in Saudi's bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

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