Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are now veterans of the game. After playing the sport for over two decades, both soccer legends have established a massive fanbase across the world. However, recently soccer fans have not been impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
After the World Cup, the future soccer club of the former Real Madrid legend still remained uncertain. Fans from all over the world tried to find the perfect fit for the Portuguese star. However, to everyone’s surprise, Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr F.C., a Saudi-based soccer club.
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While every soccer fan is still trying to digest the fact that Ronaldo will not be playing soccer in Europe, Ronaldo’s new head coach has revealed the shocking fact that he preferred someone else over Ronaldo.
Al-Nassr preferred signing Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo?
That someone else was none other than Lionel Messi. This shocking incident happened a day prior to Ronaldo’s unveiling in front of the Al-Nassr fans. Al-Nassr head coach, Rudi Garcia, was speaking to the media addressing the latest questions on the new Ronaldo deal.
Al Nassr's Rudi Garcia on signing Cristiano Ronaldo:
"I wanted to bring Messi from Doha" 💀pic.twitter.com/Jg88eTeGte
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) January 2, 2023
That’s when Garcia decided to reveal what his true intentions were. He told the media, “I tried to bring Messi straight from Doha, first”. While this statement was considered a joke, it would have hurt the sentiments of many Ronaldo fans from across the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo's new coach has got jokes 😂 pic.twitter.com/fdVIjQ69MI
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 2, 2023
Al-Nassr is reportedly also planning to bid for a few other high-profile soccer stars. A few days ago, the Saudi-based club made a ‘lucrative’ bid for Barcelona soccer legend, Sergio Busquets. Apart from Ronaldo, Al-Nassr had two other Real Madrid stars on their wish list.
Both Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric appear to be of interest to the Saudi club. However, a few media sources reveal that Modric would not be open to moving to Saudi. But there’s still a chance Ronaldo could reunite with one of his old Real Madrid pals, Sergio Ramos.
Ronaldo’s jaw-dropping contract at Al-Nassr
Ronaldo’s contract with that Al-Nassr is a humongous one. The contract is for a long duration of seven years because it also extends itself after Ronaldo decides to retire. The Portuguese star’s net salary over the next years will be a whopping €500 million. The former Real Madrid legend is contractually penned down as a player with the Saudi side till 2025, i.e., till Ronaldo becomes 40.
After conquering Europe 👑
The iconic star is on a new mission to conquer ASIA! 🌏#HalaRonaldo 💛 pic.twitter.com/HU84lyhf22— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 2, 2023
Al-Nassr has then made a smart decision of extending the latter part of the contract under a ‘non-playing’ role. That would make the soccer legend a ‘sports advisor’ of Al-Nassr. The sports universe thought that Kylian Mbappe’s new contract with PSG would be the biggest. However, Ronaldo’s new contract with Al-Nassr beats the French soccer star’s contract by a long way.
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The star has spoken 🤩#AlNassr fans.. how excited are you? 🔥
See you tomorrow 🙏#HalaRonaldo 💛
pic.twitter.com/WQPDZGUd0V— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 2, 2023
The level of impact Cristiano Ronaldo has on soccer in Saudi Arabia remains to be seen. While many soccer fans are not completely convinced by Ronaldo’s decision, Ronaldo could revolutionize soccer in Saudi Arabia in the next few years.
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Watch this story: “Cause Man U Terminated His Contract” – Fans Destroy Cristiano Ronaldo on Social Media After Comments From Terminator Star Arnold Schwarzenegger Resurface
What do you think about Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia? Let us know in the comments below.