Cristiano Ronaldo mutually agreed to terminate his contract at Manchester United on the eve of the World Cup. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is now a free agent heading into the January transfer window and has been linked with a number of clubs, including Chelsea.
Ronaldo had already been heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford on a number of occasions this season but a revealing TV interview with Piers Morgan was the final straw. United were said to be 'furious' after the TV attack of the club caught them by surprise, with the Portuguese superstar claiming that he felt betrayed.
United sought legal advice and Ronaldo was subsequently allowed to leave the club. With the 37-year-old now available on the market, it seems he is finally close to finding a new club.
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With that in mind, football.london takes a look at all the latest news regarding Ronaldo's situation - and how we got to this stage.
Ronaldo signs
CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has claimed that Ronaldo has now officially signed for Al-Nassr, putting to bed any suggestions he may join Chelsea. The 37-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal in Saudi Arabia worth $75m (£62m) per year. It is expected to be announced after the game against Al-Khaleej on Saturday, December 31.
Al-Nassr have January 1 plan
Cristiano Ronaldo's blockbuster move to Al-Nassr is set to be confirmed and signed by January 1, reports Spanish outlet Marca, via Daily Mail. With rumours also speculating that the club is exploring deals for both PSG's Sergio Ramos as well as Chelsea's N'Golo Kante, the Saudi outfit are wasting no time in further bolstering their squad's options.
The former Manchester United star is said to receive a whopping £62m-a-year, taking his total earnings including endorsements and sponsorships to a mammoth £173m-a-year.
The Portugal international rejected a switch to Saudi last summer, but without any firm interest from Europe's elite clubs, looks set to now make the move. Citing his need to play UEFA Champions League football, Ronaldo was only used as a bit-part player under new United boss Erik ten Hag, with his explosive interview with Piers Morgan marking the end of his time at Old Trafford.
Al-Nassr medical booked
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to undergo a medical at Al-Nassr ahead of a move that will see him earn a staggering £173million per year, according to The Mirror.
It is said that Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, has failed to find a suitor in Europe for his client, forcing the Portugal captain to look elsewhere. Al-Nassr are currently the frontrunners, after he had been offered a whopping £173m-a-year deal.
The Saudi side are highly optimistic that they can complete the move, having already booked accommodation for Ronaldo and his advisors. They are hopeful of announcing Ronaldo's arrival in time for the start of the January transfer window.
It is claimed that the 'broad terms' of Ronaldo's contract have already been agreed and the ball is now in his court about the final decision. On top of his £830,000 per week wages, Ronaldo would be expected to earn a substantial amount in image rights deals.
He would also be handed a role in Saudi Arabia's bid for the 2030 World Cup, as well as an 'outsized role' in the running of Al-Nassr, with the power to appoint the manager.
Al-Nassr agreement
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that big steps have been taken by Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr to complete the signing of Ronaldo. The transfer expert says that an offer until 2025 has been tabled to the Portugal star but he is still waiting for an offer from European sides.
This has been added to by members of the Eintracht Frankfurt backroom staff explained he was offered there. Executive board member Axel Hellmann said, "He was even offered to us," whilst Philip Holzer, chairman of the club's supervisory board, added: "I have the feeling he was offered to every Champions League club."
A move to the middle east might be all that's left though, with Al Nassr's offer reportedly being a remarkable £176m per year contract, but Ronaldo hasn't given an answer yet.
Champions League claim
After a lucrative career in Europe it's understandable Cristiano Ronaldo wants to stay in the continent, especially as he would be able to keep playing Champions League football.
However, interest from clubs remaining in Europe's top competition seem to be dwindling especially as it has been revealed the 37-year-old was even offered to Eintracht Frankfurt. CEO of last season's Europa League winners, Axel Hellmann told Dazn: "He was even offered to us.“ With Philip Holzer, chairman of supervisory board, adding, "I have the feeling he was offered to every Champions League club.“
Al-Nassr to 'push' Ronaldo camp
Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr have confirmed to the camp of Cristiano Ronaldo of their intention to push and insist on his response to their proposal until June 2025, according to Fabrizio Romano.
While at the World Cup with Portugal, Ronaldo confirmed that the claims of an agreement being close were not true, but following the tournament's conclusion in Qatar, he is still waiting for European clubs to declare an interest.
Agreement 'close'
Cristiano Ronaldo is "close" to agreeing a deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr as confidence grows over the switch, according to reports from Foot Mercato. The report adds that Ronaldo has been holding out for a move in Europe but has heard no response from Chelsea and Sporting.
Al-Nassr 'decision' claim
The president of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr is said to have spoken out on rumours surrounding a potential move for Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking to SSC Sports, via Fabrizio Romano, he said: "Cristiano was busy recently with the World Cup and I didn’t expect him to negotiate with anyone.
"We will not speak about other players, I wish the best to Cristiano with any decision."
Real Madrid training
Cristiano Ronaldo has been spotted training with Real Madrid to keep himself fit while he ponders over his decision on the next club he will join. The 37-year-old is said to have a great relationship with Los Blancos after his stint with the Spanish giants, however a deal there seems unlikely.
Silence broken
Amid links with a move to Saudi club Al Nassr, their head coach Rudi Garcia has broken his silence on the possibility in an interview with AS. He said: "I think that any coach would be delighted to train a great star like Cristiano and already in November 2021 I was very close to going to United... I have always thought that the great players are the easiest to manage because they are very intelligent, I verified this with Francesco Totti at Roma.”
Portugal statement
Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped by Portugal in their last-16 tie with Switzerland and reports since suggested that the 37-year-old was eyeing an early release from the squad. However, a statement from the player suggest otherwise, stating: "This group is too united to be broken by external forces. A nation too brave to be intimidated by any adversary. This is a true team, that will fight for the dream until the end."
The national team statement backed this up, adding: "Reports claiming Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos are not true — FPF clarifies that at no time did Cristiano threaten to leave the national team in Qatar."
Ronaldo comments on Al-Nassr proposal
After reports circulated that Ronaldo was set to join Al-Nassr, he has confirmed that the claims suggesting he will sign for the Saudi Arabian club are "not true". Ronaldo was said to have been offered a £173million offer from Saudi Arabian football club Al-Nassr, but he does not appear to be keen on leaving Europe.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos left Ronaldo on the bench for his country's 6-1 World Cup last-16 victory against Switzerland, and he was then asked about a potential move to the Middle East with Al-Nassr after the game but offered a very simple response, saying: "No that's not true - not true."
Ronaldo dropped
For the second time in a month Ronaldo found himself outcasted after Fernando Santos chose to drop him from Portugal's World Cup starting XI. The 37-year-old was punished for his reaction after being taken off in the final group game against South Korea, and had to watch on from the bench.
The Euro 2016 champions didn't miss him though, relying on 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos, who scored a hat-trick in a dominant 6-1 win.
Ronaldo did come off the bench in the second half and regained his captain's armband, but he might face a challenge to get back into the team for the quarter finals.
Final Chelsea hope
While a move to Al Nassr appears close for Ronaldo, it isn't completely over the line yet and could give Chelsea some hope in making a last minute move for the striker. That's because Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims there is no agreement between the 37-year-old and the Saudi Arabian side.
Al Nassr are still pushing for his signature, but with Ronaldo waiting until the end of the World Cup to make a decision, the Blues could still make one final attempt to sign him.
New club 'confirmed'
Reports from Marca claim that the striker will play for Saudi outfit Al Nassr as of the new year.
It may come as a huge blow to the Blues, who have been linked with the former Manchester United man as an option to solve their goal-scoring issues.
Ronaldo agrees record-breaking contract with Saudi outfit
As per Marca, via the Daily Mail, Ronaldo has reportedly agreed a record-breaking £172.9million-a-year contract with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The move will see him play until he's 40.
Al-Nassr are one of the most successful clubs in Saudi Arabia, having being crowned winners of the country's top flight nine times, with their most recent triumph coming in 2019.
However, the report adds that sources close to the former Real Madrid superstar insist no deal has been signed and that Ronaldo remains focused on the World Cup with his country.
Ronaldo leaves Man Utd
On Tuesday, November 22, United confirmed that Ronaldo would leave the club with immediate effect. A statement from the Red Devils read: "Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect. The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford."
Response to leaving Old Trafford
Ronaldo himself has released a statement, confirming the time is right to seek a new challenge. He said: “Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.
"I love Manchester United. And I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge."
Huge deterrent
Ronaldo has been heavily fined and handed a two-match ban by the Football Association for knocking a fan’s mobile phone to the ground. He was making his way towards the tunnel at Goodison Park when the altercation occurred following the Red Devils' 1-0 defeat to Everton back in April.
The suspension means that Ronaldo is banned for two games should he join a Premier League club. If he is to join the Blues, then he would miss clashes against Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest before becoming available to face Manchester City.
The veteran striker was charged with 'improper and/or violent' conduct by the FA following the incident in Merseyside last April. An FA statement said: "Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for two matches, fined £50,000 and warned as to his future conduct for a breach of FA Rule E3.
"The forward admitted that his conduct after the final whistle of the Premier League game between Manchester United FC and Everton FC on Saturday 9 April 2022 was improper. An independent Regulatory Commission found that his conduct was both improper and violent during a subsequent hearing, and imposed these sanctions."
Agent prepares talks
According to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes will offer his client to the Blues, but a move 'remains complicated'. The report confirms that Tuchel was a primary 'roadblock' in negotiations last summer, with the German refusing to hold serious discussions over signing the striker.
Bayern Munich confusion
According to the Daily Mail, Ronaldo and his agent Mendes met officials from Bayern Munich in the first week of November. German outlet BILD have claimed otherwise, stating that a meeting did not take place and the German giants are not, in fact, interested in the Portuguese veteran.
Potter has already given Ronaldo verdict
Ronaldo left Old Trafford early after ten Hag refused to bring him on against Tottenham Hotspur last month, something Chelsea boss Graham Potter was later asked about in a press conference of his own.
"Well, I can't really comment because I don't know the ins and outs," he said. "But he's [ten Hag] taken his stance. Sometimes you have to do that. And then you need the club's support, and from the outside, that's what has happened.
"Well, it's difficult for me to comment because I don't know the actual context, I don't know what's really happened, I don't want to go off headlines and things like that. Part of the job is to take some decisions that are difficult, but that's normal."
Read more here.
Ronaldo sounds out move
football.london understand that Chelsea sounded out a move for Ronaldo in July. The Athletic reported that Boehly met with the striker's agent Jorge Mendes in the summer to discuss a number of topics. However, Tuchel was a roadblock in negotiations, and the deal eventually collapsed.
Boehly interest
Boehly met super agent Mendes in the summer to discuss a potential move for Ronaldo, according to The Athletic. A deal failed to materialise and the west Londoners signed Raheem Sterling instead.
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