Forced to Leave Due to Lionel Messi, Ex-Manchester United Star Believes Cristiano Ronaldo Is Playing for Money in Saudi Arabia

Last December, legendary soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo sent strides to the soccer world after moving to Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese agreed to a mouth-watering deal and signed for Al Nassr. Many were confused as to why he left Europe for a league that isn’t renowned. While earlier, he may have stated his own reasons, the actual reason is something that we all know.

Subsequently, his move has changed the course of the transfer window as a considerable number of players have moved since then. In fact, the mass exodus continues even today as Middle Eastern clubs are luring the players with big contracts. However, coming back to Ronaldo’s true intentions, did he move to Al Nassr for money?

Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing for money in Saudi Arabia?

Earlier, Ronaldo expressed his true intentions to move to Saudi Arabia. While passion and new challenges may always define his motive, the striker barely mentioned money as one of the reasons. Interestingly, he may have not addressed it, but one of the players does. Former Manchester United star Odion Ighalo believes the CR7 is in Saudi just for money.

This comes after the Nigerian was interviewed and asked if passion is the reason players are going. While deliberately dragging Ronaldo, he explained, “Bro, it’s more at the end of football. See people that is going to Saudi Arabia. Big players, Ronaldo, what else? Is it the passion he is still playing for?”

He continued, “Ronaldo has made 100 times more than what I have than my life and he still went to Saudi, so he did this for his passion? It’s for money bruv.” The former Red Devils striker believes the Portuguese superstar is in Riyadh not for passion, but for money. He insists that Ronaldo has achieved everything and despite this, he moved to the Gulf Country.

READ MORE: Days After Audaciously Downplaying MLS, Cristiano Ronaldo Says ‘It’s Difficult but Not Impossible’ to Win Trophies With Al Nassr

Hence, Ighalo only sees money as the key factor for Ronaldo’s move to the Jeddah-based club. Notably, Ighalo also played in Saudi Pro League for Al Hilal. Likewise, after weighing in on Ronaldo’s Al Nassr move, he also addressed how he was forced to leave Al Hilal due to Lionel Messi.

Ighalo was forced to leave Saudi Arabia due to Lionel Messi

Indeed, these are some huge claims from Ighalo regarding Ronaldo. Following this, the striker revealed he was shocked to see Lionel Messi reject Al Hilal’s mammoth offer and choose to go to Miami instead. Surprisingly, while stating his disbelief, Ighalo subtly revealed that “It was part of the reason” Al Hilal didn’t extend his contract.

“I don’t want to say my contract was not being extended because we didn’t agree and all that. But I thought it’s a done deal because the money they were offering there in Saudi was incredible.” Ighalo said it was twice what Ronaldo actually earns at Al Nassr. However, it is quite surprising to hear that it was due to Messi, Ighalo didn’t get a new contract.

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