Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates after scoring the 1-0 during the FIFA World Cup 2022 group H soccer match between Portugal and Uruguay at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, 28 November 2022. Picture: EPA, Abir Sultan
Doha — Cristiano Ronaldo is in talks to sign a blockbuster deal with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr following his high-profile exit from Manchester United, club sources told AFP on Monday.
One source said the club were in "serious negotiations" with the 37-year-old but an agreement had not yet been reached because of issues with Ronaldo's image rights.
The Portuguese forward left United last month after giving an explosive TV interview in which he took aim at the club and coach Erik ten Hag.
Free agent Cristiano Ronaldo will sign a 2.5-year contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in a deal potentially worth $200M per season, reports @marca 💰 pic.twitter.com/GHJeOKdtqf
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 5, 2022
Ronaldo will sign a two-and-a-half year deal worth nearly €200-million a season, starting in January, according to a report by Spanish newspaper Marca.
However, another source at the Saudi club told AFP that nothing had been signed.
Ronaldo said he had rejected a huge deal to join a Saudi club in his hard-hitting interview.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner could join Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina and Cameroon midfielder Vincent Aboubakar, who currently play at Al-Nassr.
BREAKING 🚨: Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to agree a deal to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr despite reports. pic.twitter.com/8nxuNPHALj
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 5, 2022
The Portugal captain became the first player to score at five men's World Cups when he netted a penalty in their opening 3-2 win over Ghana in Qatar.
Portugal, aiming to win a first World Cup trophy, face Switzerland on Tuesday in the last-16.
The striker helped his team triumph at Euro 2016 and has won an impressive haul of silverware across a glittering club career with United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
AFP