via Getty
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 03: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY â MANDATORY CREDIT – “AL NASSR FOOTBALL CLUB / HANDOUT” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Portuguese superstar, Ronaldo wears jersey of Al-Nassr before an introductory ceremony at Mrsool Park Stadium, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 03, 2023. (Photo by AL Nassr Club of Saudi Arabia/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
via Getty
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 03: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY â MANDATORY CREDIT – “AL NASSR FOOTBALL CLUB / HANDOUT” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Portuguese superstar, Ronaldo wears jersey of Al-Nassr before an introductory ceremony at Mrsool Park Stadium, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 03, 2023. (Photo by AL Nassr Club of Saudi Arabia/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo is winning all the hearts of Saudi Arabian fans. Ever since his transfer to his new club, he has been brimming in the eyes of soccer fans worldwide.
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The Portuguese made a stunning $200 million-a-year move to Al Nassr after making a controversial exit from Manchester United. Nevertheless, now the 37-year-old is living the dream at his new soccer home, as he recently made his debut against Etiffaq.
The striker also played a legendary match with PSG’s camp, where he reunited with his European friends and relived the rivalry with superstar Lionel Messi.
MLS star joins Cristiano Ronaldo
Just like Ronaldo, another soccer star is joining the high ranks of the Middle Eastern club as Cristian Tello is signed for Al Nassr rivals Al-Fateh. The player made the switch to the Arabian club came to LAFC six months ago.
After winning the MLS Cup, Tello was released half a season later to make a move to the overseas league. He’ll be looking to win trophies at his new club, which is currently sitting at 8th in the Pro League.
Official: Cristian Tello has transferred to Al Fateh SC of the Saudi Pro League. He leaves #LAFC after half a season, where he lifted the MLS Cup. Thanks for everything Tello, and best of luck! pic.twitter.com/BxNAeSfTMg
— LAFC Edge (@lafcedge) January 25, 2023
The winger came from Barcelona’s youth system, La Masia, and played for the first team in 2012. After spending a couple of years at Nou Camp, the player enjoyed several loan spells with Porto and Fiorentina.
He later made a permanent switch to Blaugrana’s rival, Real Betis. After completing his spell with Los Verdiblancos, he was without a club, before joining LAFC. Tello has enjoyed a decent career, making 420 domestic appearances and scoring 70 goals and 61 assists.
Transfer trendsetter
Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to the Middle East may have shocked the soccer world, but it has done something even more. He and his new club have become trendsetters in engineering moves from Europe.
Since his switch to the Arabian side, other clubs within the country are eyeing massive swaps with Europe’s elite clubs. This eventually has created a rumor mill as players are being linked to billionaire-owned clubs.
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Al-Hilal will do anything to convince Lionel Messi to join its ranks, the biggest rival of Al-Nasr club in Saudi Arabia 🔥
According to Calciomercato 🗞 pic.twitter.com/JYs3enV46P
— Leo Messi (@Messi_10_30) January 1, 2023
Moreover, many soccer stars’ names are being heard in the transfer headlines, with Arab clubs showing definite interest. The list includes the likes of Messi, Ramos, and Busquets. It won’t take long for the Saudi Pro League to become the new home of retirement for veteran players.
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