Cristiano Ronaldo claimed clubs around the world fought for his signature, including ones in Europe, before Al-Nassr landed him for a record contract.
Ronaldo made the case that Saudi Arabia is the destination he really wanted on a personal level and that he could have easily gone elsewhere – though reports suggest his desire to join Real Madrid was never mutual. In any case, his lucrative contract will see him make more annually than any other professional football player (reportedly £173 million ($209m) a year).
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“Nobody knows but I can say now that I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, in Australia, in U.S. even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me,” Ronaldo said at his introductory news conference for Al-Nassr. “But I give credit to this club for the opportunity to develop not only the football but this amazing country. I know what I want and of course what I don’t want as well.
