Suppose there is a story that has attracted significant attention in the football scene. In that case, it is the purported transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United to Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia. The story has overshadowed Arsenal-top-on-the-table news. Were it not for Ronaldo’s transfer story, the Arsenal 7-point lead would have dominated the football scene for the next week. In the last week of 2022, Arsenal recorded two-straight wins extending the gap with Manchester City by seven points.
Arsenal beat West Ham three goals to one and humiliated Brighton four to two, amassing six points in the two games to reach s cumulative total of 43. This is excellent news for Arsenal fans. It is an achievement worth celebrating. Although the celebration happened, the news of Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to a Saudi team and the amount of money being mentioned excited the football fans and the internet at large. On all the social platforms, Cristiano Ronaldo was trending. He was the most featured person in the news and social media engagement. Also, the bookmaker football scene was not left behind; the topic was widely featured in the gambling sector, with predictions already pointing to a great football year for the Portugal national team captain. Punters are already looking forward to wagering on the games that Ronaldo will be playing in his new club. It will be interesting to wager on the player and his new club with the best online bookmaker.
Biggest football salary
If Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer is completed, the player will break the record to become the highest-paid footballer. Currently, the player is earning close to $ 100 million. He is placed third behind Lionel Messi, who is making $ 120 million, and Kylian Mbappe, who is earning $ 128 million. Other top earners include:
- Neymar Junior at $ 87 million
- Mohammed Salah at $ 53 million
- Erling Haaland at $ 39 million
- Robert Lewandowski at $ 35 million
- Eden Hazard at $ 31 million
Cristiano Ronaldo will earn $ 177 million making him the highest-paid football ever. He is excited about his new move calling it a different experience. He adds that during his European football career, he is proud to have won everything he set out, and now it is a moment to share the experience in Asia.
Al Nassr
The club is currently topping the Saudi League with 26 points. The news of Ronaldo’s transfer to the club was received with joy. Fans described the move as historical, adding that the striker will be a highly valued asset as the club seeks to dominate the league table. Al Nassr is a nine-time Saudi Arabia Pro league champion. The Riyadh-based club has existed since 1955 and has been one of the most successful in Saudi Arabia, having competed in approximately 27 championships.
The club has won nine premier league titles, three Crown Prince’s cups, six King’s Cups, two Saudi Super Cups, and three federation titles. At the international level, Al Nassr FC has bagged the Champions League, Asian Cup, and Super cup. With the entry of Ronaldo, analysts see a brighter future for the club and the player. The club management has said that Ronaldo’s move will inspire the league and the future generation of football players.
Earlier attempt
This is not the first time Saudi clubs have tried to win Ronaldo. There have been earlier attempts that were unsuccessful. Al Hilal had given him a 305 million Sterling Pounds deal, but the Manchester United striker turned it down, saying he was happy at Manchester. This was later disputed when he was quoted saying that he felt betrayed by his club in November last year.
These sentiments did not go well with the Manchester United management. All indications were that Ronaldo would not last long in the club. Fans and the whole football fraternity were fully convinced that Ronaldo had no future at United. The news of his transfer may not have been surprising, but where he was moving and the amount of money involved was mind-boggling.
Observers see the transfer as a new leaf of life for Ronaldo. This is after his early exit from the World Cup, where he had high hopes of winning in his last appearance. Given his age, Ronaldo will not be participating in the next world cup. However, he may shine in Saudi Arabia, a country looking forward to bringing the tournament back to Asia in 2030 after a successful host by Qatar. Analysts see Ronaldo playing a crucial role in lifting Saudi Arabia’s profile on the international front.
Ronaldo had a great experience at United, where he made 346 appearances in 11 years. He was only seven months to complete his contract. His last days at United were not all that rosy; he had been banned for two domestic matches after he knocked a phone on an Everton fan following a defeat at Goodison Park. The ban will not be served at his new club.
Ronaldo’s story will not die soon; it will dominate the media in the next few months. It will be exciting to follow how he will be received in Saudi Arabia and his first match in the league.
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