Cristiano Ronaldo has completed his move to Al-Nassr and could make his debut in their first game of 2023.
The forward has been without a club since he saw his contract at Manchester United terminated and has opted for a switch to Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo will earn huge sums whilst in the Middle East and could make his return to action on Thursday when his new side face Al-Ta'ee.
Ronaldo has just missed the local derby with Al-Hilal, which ended in a 2-2 draw, and the New Year's Eve game against Al-Khaleej will come too soon. Al-Nassr are sat second in the Saudi Pro League - two points behind Al Shabab - as they look to wrestle back the title they last won in 2019.
Ronaldo's first chance at potentially making huge headlines will come on January 14, when his new employers take on the league leaders, where a win could take them top. Al-Nassr also have the semi-final of the Saudi Cup to come later in the month. The Saudi season largely runs in parallel with those in the major European leagues and is set to conclude in May.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has told the club's website upon completing his move: "I’m thrilled for new experience in a different league and a different country, the vision that Al Nassr has is very inspiring. I am very excited to join my teammates, to help the team to achieve more success."
A statement from the club read: "This is more than history in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome, Cristiano, to your new home."
Has Cristiano Ronaldo made the right move by joining Al-Nassr? Have your say in the comments!
Six of Saudi Arabia's World Cup stars ply their trade at Al-Nassr and will team up with Ronaldo. The Portuguese star may also recognise several other names, including former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina, Cameroon star Vincent Aboubakar and Luiz Gustavo, a Champions League winner with Bayern Munich.
Ronaldo has previously underlined his desire to play until his 40s and his move to the Middle East will allow him to do that. There were a lack of options open to him in Europe despite previous links with the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Napoli and Sporting Lisbon.
The 37-year-old was last seen exiting the World Cup stage after Portugal were shocked by Morocco in the quarter-finals just over a fortnight ago. His difficult season continued in Qatar as he was bench for his country's two knockout games, replaced by relatively-unknown Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.
