'Hi Riyadh': Ronaldo all smiles after completing Al-Nassr medical; gears up for Saudi Arabian challenge
Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo is in Saudi Arabia for his official Al-Nassr unveiling and has sent a message to fans after completing his medical.
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FollowImage Credit: Cristiano Ronaldo Instagram (L); Getty Images (R)
Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo is all set to kickstart a new chapter in his glittering career as he landed in Riyadh on Monday night for his new challenge in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr. Ahead of his official unveiling, the Portuguese talisman took to Instagram to send a message to his fans, and CR7 appears set for his latest stint, a month after Manchester United terminated his contract.
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Image Credit: Cristiano Ronaldo Instagram
"Hi Riyadh," wrote Ronaldo on his Instagram story as he shared a video featuring his landing on Saudi Arabian soil and the warm reception he received from fans of Al-Nassr. The 37-year-old legend also ticked an essential box as he confirmed on social media that he passed his medical at the club. "Medical done," wrote the striker, along with an emoticon of pumped biceps.
Image Credit: Getty Images
"Thank you Riyadh for the warm welcome! Look forward to seeing you at the stadium tonight," added Ronaldo in another Instagram post, which was flooded with comments from fans welcoming him to Al-Nassr. "Welcome To Your Home," noted the Saudi Arabian club in the comments box.
Image Credit: Cristiano Ronaldo Instagram
Ronaldo has signed a lucrative deal in the Middle East, where he will face his first club test outside of Europe. When the Portuguese icon's contract with Manchester United was terminated in December, he became a free agent. The five-time Ballon d'Or hoped to play for a club featuring in the Champions League but failed to find any suitors. Eventually, Al-Nassr prevailed in acquiring his services until 2025, reportedly for 200 million euros.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Although there have been rumours that Ronaldo's Al-Nassr contract contains a clause that would enable him to join Newcastle United on loan if the Magpies qualify for the Champions League this year, the 37-year-old is preparing for a crack at Saudi Pro League championship success.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Ronaldo has not played since Portugal's 1-0 loss to Morocco at the Qatar World Cup 2022 and will need some time to train and acclimatise himself to the Gulf Nation's playing conditions. Hence, fans of Al-Nassr may have to wait until the club's clash against Al-Shabab on January 14, 11:00 PM IST, to see the former Manchester United striker take the field. With Al Nassr now leading the Pro League and Al Shabab in the second position, the clash makes it a mouth-watering potential debut for the 37-year-old icon.
Also read: When Ronaldo could debut for Al-Nassr: Date, time, where to watch in India and more
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