Brazilian football legend Rivaldo has expressed his belief that Cristiano Ronaldo may have been deceived when he signed his lucrative contract with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Cristiano Ronaldo, 38, joined the Saudi Arabian club in January after his contract with Manchester United was terminated following a controversial interview where he criticized the club.
Ronaldo’s staggering £173 million-a-year deal, spanning two-and-a-half years, currently makes him the highest-paid player in the world. However, Rivaldo, an icon of Brazilian football, has suggested that the enormous salaries offered in Saudi Arabia can mask the challenges of playing in the league and adapting to life in the Gulf state.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Rivaldo stated; “I understand that sometimes players can be fooled by the large contracts they sign in Saudi Arabia, only to later realize that life there is more closed and football is not always as easy as expected.” He further added, “So, you may be going through a phase of disappointment and even reflection. If the money you’re receiving compensates for the less-than-happy life you’re currently living, it might be good for him and for football to see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Real Madrid to finish his career.” Rivaldo also emphasized that although Ronaldo is still a remarkable player, fans should not expect the same level of performance from him as when he was younger. However, he believes that Ronaldo could still contribute to the success of Real Madrid and help the club secure more trophies. Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has made a significant impact on the pitch, scoring 12 goals in 16 games across all competitions under the guidance of manager Dinko Jelicic. However, there are reports suggesting that Ronaldo’s partner, Georgina Rodriguez, is unhappy with life in Saudi Arabia and wishes to return to Europe.
