Ronaldo lands $200m deal with Saudi club
In a deal that had been rumored for weeks, 37-year-old soccer great Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a massive two-year deal to play for Saudi Club Al Nassar FC.
Saudi-owned television channel Al Arabiya and Al Nassar FC reported that that the deal would not only inspire the club to achieve even greater success but also inspire the Saudi league, the nation and future generations, “boys and girls to be the best version of themselves.”
Hints of the deal first dropped at the end of November with a worth $75 million a year for three years. However, the total for the deal including endorsements could rise as high as $214 million. Then comes additional benefit of a home in an affluent neighborhood for the superstar striker.
With the new deal, Ronaldo become one of the world’s richest sporting billionaires with $1.4 billion, just behind Tiger Woods.
Ronaldo continues to stand tall in the hall of sporting greats, being a five time winner of the Ballon d’Or five times.
He left Manchester United after a bumpy second spell with the team in which he publicly criticized the ownership and new manager in a TV interview and refused to come off the bench. As a result, the 37-year-old made just four starts and scored one goal in EPL play this season.
According to Sportico, Ronaldo earned $60 million and he earned another $55 million in endorsements. Even though he had previously dismissed the idea of playing in the Middle East, Ronaldo’s decision to go Saudi is considered strategic in the face of falling fortunes in Europe. While Ronaldo had been plain about his desire to land at a top-flight European team, no such offer was forthcoming.
Today, he is singing a different tune after telling an English radio show in 2015 the he would stick to best clubs in Europe.
“I’m thrilled for a new experience in a different league and a different country, the vision that Al Nassr has is very inspiring,” Ronaldo said in a statement.
“I’m very excited to join my teammates, and to help the team to achieve more success.”
