As Cristiano Ronaldo was fast to level out, he has spent his storied profession taking part in for the “most vital” golf equipment in Europe.
That additionally meant taking part in in the preferred leagues on this planet in England, Spain and Italy for Manchester United, Actual Madrid and Juventus.
His transfer to the Saudi Arabian membership Al Nassr, nevertheless, indicators a step into the unknown.
The Saudi Professional League is unlikely to have been on the radar of the vast majority 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.
He may also 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 mentioned 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 may be very aggressive. Individuals don’t know that, however I do know as a result of I noticed many video games,” he mentioned.
He joins a group that’s aiming to turn into 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 essentially the most profitable group, 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 massively in style in Arabic international locations.
Greater than 1.25 million spectators attended matches within the 2021-22 season, in line with official statistics, with a tv viewers of greater than 215 million throughout that marketing campaign.
And Ronaldo isn’t the one worldwide participant to make his solution 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.
Learn Extra: information about Cristiano Ronaldo for Al Nassr club
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 yr said the league of 16 groups has 128 worldwide gamers.
However none as huge as Ronaldo.
“Cristiano is among the greatest gamers on this planet. Within the historical past of soccer, he’s a legend,” Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia mentioned on Tuesday. “It’s an honor for positive 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.