In response to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s departure to Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr’s competitors seem to be stocking Lionel Messi jersey.
After agreeing to a two-and-a-half year contract with Al Nassr, who are now atop the Saudi Pro League standings, Ronaldo took off for the Middle East.
After his contract with Manchester United was mutually terminated, he was a free agent; but, now that commercial fees have been taken into account, Ronaldo is expected to make a staggering £173 million a season.
The seventh minute of Al Nassr’s most recent game against Al Khaleej saw them shout “Ronaldo and SIU” in anticipation of the signing.
Al-Hilal, the club’s arch-rival, has responded by stocking “Messi 10” jersey in their club store, indicating where they stand in the long-running argument.
On social media, a photo of Messi shirts sporting Al Hilal’s blue colors has sparked a variety of reactions.
With 12 Ballon d’Or awards between them, Ronaldo and Messi may face off one last time when Paris Saint-Germain plays a mid-season friendly against an Al Nassr and Al Hilal combined XI.
Rudi Garcia, the manager of Al Nassr, made fun of the fact that he initially preferred Ronaldo over Messi. The former Roma and Lyon boss said:
“First I tried to take Messi.”
For the first time, Ronaldo has left Europe, and his contract stipulates that he will represent Saudi Arabia’s 2030 World Cup bid as an ambassador.
Given earlier remarks in which he stated that he would “end [his career] with dignity,” his relocation is incongruous.
When he was wrapping off his career with Al Sadd in Qatar a few years ago, he made fun of former Barcelona player Xavi Hernandez.
Ronaldo is now prepared for a fresh challenge since he believes he has nothing left to accomplish in Europe. After the signing was confirmed Ronaldo said:
“I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football”
“I feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia. Al Nassr’s vision is very inspiring and impressive.”
“I look forward to a different league experience in a different country. I am excited to join my teammates as soon as possible.”
Ronaldo may be able to return to Europe on loan with Newcastle United if they win the Champions League next season, according to rumors about a clause in his contract.
Of course, Newcastle is supported by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund; they are now third in the Premier League.
Ronaldo might make his Nassr debut on Thursday, though he still needs to get a physical.
