Christiano Ronaldo has declared in Europe he has “won everything” as he was unveiled with Saudi Arabia club Al Nassr.
The Portuguese player has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times and the Champions League five times, and he counts multiple Premier League, La Liga and Serie A titles among his trophies.
Ronaldo revealed he had turned down several top clubs following an acrimonious split with Manchester United in November, instead deciding to sign a deal until 2025 with Al Nassr.
His contract with United was terminated after the criticised the club in a TV interview with Piers Morgan.
Several outlets have reported the former United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward’s salary is upwards of £160m a year, making the 37-year-old the highest-paid footballer in history.
At his first public appearance for his new club, Ronaldo said: “I’m feeling very good. I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life.
“In Europe, my work is done; I won everything, I played at the most important clubs in Europe and for me now, it’s a new challenge.
“This is a great opportunity. Nobody knows this but I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, in Australia, in the US and even in Portugal.
“Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club to develop not only the football but other parts of this amazing country.”
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He wore a suit as he addressed the media before changing into his new club’s kit for his presentation at Mrsool Park stadium.
Ronaldo added: “I’m a unique player. I beat all the records there. I want to beat a few records here. This contract is unique but I’m a unique player, so for me it’s normal.
“Many people speak and give their opinions but they really do know nothing about football. It’s not the end of my career to come to Saudi Arabia. I really don’t worry about what the people say.”
He was greeted by thousands of fans as he walked on to a stage on the Mrsool Park pitch, before saying in a brief interview: “I will give my best for this club” and posing for photographs and then autographing and kicking balls into the assembled crowd.
Chants of “Ronaldo” and his trademark “siu” celebration echoed around the stadium before the presentation ended with Ronaldo joined on the pitch by his children and partner Georgina Rodriguez.
Al Nassr head coach Rudi Garcia, formerly of Roma, Marseille and Lyon, said: “Cristiano is one of the best players in the world, he’s a legend.
“In my life, I’ve seen that the great, great players like Cristiano are the easiest to manage.
“We are here to win, nothing else.”
