RIYADH-Cristiano Ronaldo got an insane reception at a packed Mrsool Park in Riyadh on Tuesday as he was warmly welcomed by Al-Nassr fans.
Ronaldo was formally introduced to the supporters of his new club at Mrsool Park, where tens of thousands of fans didn’t leave any empty seat at the stadium.
It was an electric atmosphere at the stadium as Ronaldo was received by Al-Nassr supporters eager to catch a glimpse of an all-time great who spent time at some of Europe's top clubs.
Ronaldo joined a press conference with the club president Musalli Al-Muammar and coach Rudi Garcia.He also participated in a first public training session on Tuesday, alongside the rest of the squad.
“I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe my work is done. I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe. This is a new challenge,” Ronaldo said.
The 37-year-old said he was looking forward to a new challenge in Asian football, having won everything there was to win in the European game.
“I hope my signing for Al-Nassr would change not only the image of Saudi football around the world, but also perceptions of the Kingdom itself.”
He insisted that he’s here to win and enjoy the game. “I’m coming here to win, to play, to enjoy, to be part of the success of the country and culture of the country.”
"I can say now that there were many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, in Australia, the US, and even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club," Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo also hit back at criticism by some of his choice to play at Al-Nassr. "This is not the end for me. The Saudi Arabian League is very competitive. I know people don't know that."
He said that after beating all the records in Europe he wants to break some in Saudi Arabia as well, adding: "This contract is unique because I’m a unique player as well."
Later, Ronaldo greeted the fans from the middle of the pitch wearing his new yellow No. 7 jersey. He signed 7 balls and shared them with the fans minutes before his family joined him on the pitch. (SG)
It was an electric atmosphere at the stadium as Ronaldo was received by Al-Nassr supporters eager to catch a glimpse of an all-time great who spent time at some of Europe's top clubs.
Ronaldo joined a press conference with the club president Musalli Al-Muammar and coach Rudi Garcia.He also participated in a first public training session on Tuesday, alongside the rest of the squad.
“I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe my work is done. I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe. This is a new challenge,” Ronaldo said.
The 37-year-old said he was looking forward to a new challenge in Asian football, having won everything there was to win in the European game.
“I hope my signing for Al-Nassr would change not only the image of Saudi football around the world, but also perceptions of the Kingdom itself.”
He insisted that he’s here to win and enjoy the game. “I’m coming here to win, to play, to enjoy, to be part of the success of the country and culture of the country.”
"I can say now that there were many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, in Australia, the US, and even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club," Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo also hit back at criticism by some of his choice to play at Al-Nassr. "This is not the end for me. The Saudi Arabian League is very competitive. I know people don't know that."
He said that after beating all the records in Europe he wants to break some in Saudi Arabia as well, adding: "This contract is unique because I’m a unique player as well."
Later, Ronaldo greeted the fans from the middle of the pitch wearing his new yellow No. 7 jersey. He signed 7 balls and shared them with the fans minutes before his family joined him on the pitch. (SG)