The 2022 transfer saga concluded with Cristiano Ronaldo signing a contract with Saudi club Al-Nasr. This development was confirmed by a reputable agency and widely reported across major outlets.
Sources indicate the 37-year-old striker agreed to a 2.5-year deal. Multiple reports estimate that Ronaldo will earn around €200 million in a single season, marking a unprecedented level of compensation for a top footballer.
Why did Ronaldo leave Manchester United?
Ronaldo entered Al-Nasr as a free agent after the club mutualized his contract following a turbulent period. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner found himself unattached at the start of the World Cup cycle in Qatar when Manchester United announced his departure amid concerns about the club’s public image.
The official explanation cited Ronaldo’s interview with a prominent British broadcaster, in which he voiced dissatisfaction with the coaching setup led by Erik ten Hag and with the broader direction of the club. He criticized infrastructure and facilities and suggested a lack of progress since his first spell with the team.
Ronaldo publicly stated that there was a lack of respect from the coaching staff, while his responses underscored a broader dispute about leadership and culture within the squad.
Ten Hag responded by saying the departure was expected after the interview and that the decision to part ways was a consequence of that exchange. He noted that Ronaldo had indicated a desire to leave and that the club could not retain a player who did not want to stay unless both sides found a new path forward.
Media outlets included commentary from industry experts who observed that the decision to end the relationship came after a prolonged period of tension between Ronaldo and the club, rather than a simple clash over tactics or personnel.
World Cup struggles and later chapters
Ronaldo faced a World Cup that did not unfold as hoped, with morale affected by the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his status and leadership of Portugal. Reports emphasized a shift in mood within the national team environment as preparations began for the tournament in Qatar.
On the field, Ronaldo made a notable impact by converting a penalty against one of the group opponents, becoming the first player to participate in five World Cups. That moment stood out in an otherwise challenging campaign, with other performances failing to add to the scoreboard as hoped.
During the tournament, Ronaldo was involved in contentious moments that sparked debate about his role on the squad. In a match against a rival, there were attempts to influence the game that drew scrutiny from observers and officials alike. As the competition progressed, Portugal advanced to the knockout rounds but ultimately faced a difficult ending, with expectations for a deep run stymied by a narrow defeat and limited scoring contributions from the captain.
Looking ahead, Portugal’s trajectory remains bright in terms of talent and potential. Reports noted that the federation would reassess leadership after the tournament period, with Ronaldo’s future at the international level becoming part of broader discussions about the team’s direction and strategy. At the same time, Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nasr signaled a new chapter in his club career, offering a different stage for him to showcase his enduring competitiveness as he approaches the twilight years of his playing days.