As Cristiano Ronaldo was fast to level out, he has spent his storied profession taking part in for the “most essential” golf equipment in Europe.
That additionally meant taking part in in the most well-liked leagues on the earth in England, Spain and Italy for Manchester United, Actual Madrid and Juventus.
His transfer to Saudi Arabian membership Al Nassr, nevertheless, alerts a step into the unknown.
The Saudi Professional League is unlikely to have been on the radar of nearly all of his loyal following, however it’s the place the subsequent and sure final chapter of his profession will likely be performed out after signing a 2 1-2 -year contract with Al Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks throughout a press convention for his official unveiling as a brand new member of Al Nassr membership in in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AP)
He will even hope to compete within the Asian Champions League subsequent season if his new membership qualifies for the most important competitors in Asian soccer.
“In Europe my work is finished,” Ronaldo stated when offered by Al Nassr in Riyadh on Tuesday.
However what can the 37-year-old five-time Champions League winner anticipate from Saudi soccer?
“I do know the league could be very aggressive. Folks don’t know that, however I do know as a result of I noticed many video games,” he stated.
He joins a staff that’s aiming to grow to be Saudi champions for the tenth time, having final gained the title in 2019.
The Saudi Professional League, in its present guise, was established in 2008, however the competitors dates to 1976. Present champion Al Hilal is probably the most profitable staff, having gained 18 titles and 4 Asian Champions Leagues.
Like Al Nassr, it is usually based mostly within the Saudi capital of Riyadh and was linked with a transfer for Ronaldo. Whereas Saudi soccer might not be extensively watched within the western world, it’s vastly well-liked in Arabic international locations.
Greater than 1.25 million spectators attended matches within the 2021-22 season, based on official statistics, with a tv viewers of greater than 215 million throughout that marketing campaign.
And Ronaldo just isn’t the one worldwide participant to make his method to Saudi Arabia, with Brazilian former Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo already at Al Nassr, in addition to ex-Arsenal and Napoli goalkeeper David Ospina.
Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo performs for Al Hilal.
Ever Banega, who has performed for Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Inter Milan and Sevilla, is now at Al Shabab.
Statistics produced final 12 months said the league of 16 groups has 128 worldwide gamers.
However none as large as Ronaldo.
“Cristiano is likely one of the finest gamers on the earth. Within the historical past of soccer he’s a legend,” Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia stated on Tuesday. “It’s an honor for certain for me, but additionally for Al Nassr to welcome Cristiano.”
Saudi officers and followers will hope Ronaldo’s arrival prompts extra elite gamers to observe in his footsteps — and that might be his lasting legacy past no matter trophies he wins in his time within the nation.