Cristiano Ronaldo Junior, the son of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, will be joining Mahd Football Academy in Saudi Arabia following his father’s recent move to Al-Nassr. Recall that 37-year-old Ronaldo recently signed for Saudi side Al-Nassr in a mouth-watering that saw him become the highest-paid sportsman in the World. Before the family’s recent relocation to the Middle East country, Ronaldo Junior spent two years in Juventus’ academy system while his father was playing in Italy. He most recently wore the No. 7 shirt as a prospect with Manchester United and was also featured in Real Madrid’s youth team. The youngster who was recently spotted pulling off his father’s iconic ‘siuuu’ celebration after scoring in an Under-12s tournament for the Red Devils, has left United too and will now play at an academy level in Saudi Arabia.
Karim Benzema denies rift with Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has denied falling out with Cristiano Ronaldo who reunited with his former teammates who are currently in Saudi Arabia ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final clash with Barcelona today, January 15. Ronaldo was spotted in photos speaking to Real Madrid players, but Benzema was nowhere to be seen, leading to speculation of an alleged rift. The claim has however been shut down by Benzema who told reporters that they don’t need to take photos to say they are friends. He said; “We don’t need to take photos to say we’re friends, the photos are for Instagram or Twitter, that’s another world. “We didn’t have time to greet each other because I was training and immediately he also went to train. I hope to see him tomorrow at the stadium and be able to talk to him for a while.”
“Ronaldo made the right decision”
Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti has said that Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has no regrets over his recent big-money move to Saudi club, Al-Nassr. Ancelotti said this after being asked what he thinks about Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League during a press conference ahead of a Super Cup final against Barcelona on Sunday, January 15. Responding to the question, the Real Madrid coach stated that the Portuguese football star who played under him, made the right call. Ancelotti said; “Ronaldo is happy, very motivated. He likes the place and the country. He is highly motivated and has made the right decision.” Ronaldo is yet to feature for Al-Nassr as a result of a match ban issued against him by the English FA for smashing an Everton fan’s phone last year, while still signed to Manchester United.
Cameroon’s World Cup star Vincent Aboubakar released as Cristiano Ronaldo is registered as Al-Nassr player
Vincent Aboubakar, the striker who played a large role in the victories Cameroon recorded at the 2022 World Cup has been released by Al-Nassr following the registration of Portuguese football star, Cristiano Ronaldo as a player of the Saudi club.
Saudi outlet Al-Riyadh reported that Aboubakar is now available on a free transfer amid links to Manchester United.
Following the registration, Ronaldo who still has one game remaining of the ban issued by the English FA in November for smashing an Everton fan’s phone, will now likely make his debut in Al-Nassr’s Pro League match against Al-Ettifaq on January 21, fitness and team selection depending.
Aboubakar who is looking for a new club following his release after recording 13 goals and six assists during his time at the Saudi club, has most recently been linked with a loan move to Manchester United which terminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract before the 2022 World Cup commenced.
Cristiano Ronaldo hits back at those criticizing his big-money move to Saudi Arabian side, Al-Nassr
Portuguese football star, Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a swipe at critics of his lucrative move to Saudi Arabian side, Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo, who has a deal with the Saudi club which will make him the highest-paid player in the history of the sport, said those criticizing him know nothing about football.
He said;
“Many people speak and give their opinions but they really do not know nothing about football. As you know football now, probably the last 10-15 years it is different, all the teams are more prepared, more ready. So for me it’s not the end of my career to come to [Saudi Arabia], that’s what I want to change. So I really don’t worry about what the people say.”
Also addressing reporters at his unveiling ceremony yesterday, January 3, Ronaldo stated that he received plenty of other offers from clubs around the world before deciding that Al-Nassr was the best place for him to continue his career.
Luka Modric rejects big-money offer to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia
37-year-old Croatian captain, Luka Modric has reportedly snubbed big-money offers from MLS and Saudi Arabia in hope of renewing his contract with Real Madrid.
Popular Spanish newspaper, Marca reported that Modric who will soon complete his 12-month deal at Santiago Bernabeu, is hoping that another short-term offer will be presented to him, giving an opportunity to spend his 12th season in the Spanish capital.
Though no deal has been reached, it was gathered that the Croatian footballer is on the radar of some clubs in the United States and Saudi Arabia.
According to Marca, Saudi club, Al-Nassr, who just signed Cristiano Ronaldo, are keen on adding Sergio Ramos and Modric to their ranks in upcoming windows.
However, Modric who is prepared to be patient to get a deal from Real Madrid, has already rejected the lucrative offers from America and Saudi Arabia with a view of staying in the Spanish capital beyond the end of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo explains why he signed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr
Portuguese football star, Cristiano Ronaldo has explained why he turned back on Europe and made a complete switch to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo is set to earn an eye-watering £173million per year in the Middle East country, an unprecedented footballing payday which also signals the conclusion of his top-level career.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner who is now the most high-profile player ever to grace Asian football, said he’s fortunate to have won everything he set out to win in European football and now feels this is the right moment to share his experience in Asia.
Speaking after signing for the club, Ronaldo said;
“I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country. The vision of what Al Nassr are doing and developing in Saudi Arabia both in terms of men’s and women’s football is very inspiring. We can see from Saudi Arabia’s recent performance at the World Cup that this is a country with big football ambitions and a lot of potential.
“I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia. I am looking forward to joining my new teammates and together with them, help the club to achieve success.”
Ronaldo leaves behind arguably the greatest European career of all time, forged over 21 glittering years. On top of winning five Champions League crowns, seven league titles; namely those of England, Italy, and Spain and 20 other trophies at club level, the Portugal captain fired his nation to a historic win at Euro 2016, the first of two honours at international level.
Al-Nassr confirm signing of Cristiano Ronaldo
Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr has announced the signing of Portuguese football star, Cristiano Ronaldo following his early exit from Manchester United.
This ends weeks of speculation about Ronaldo’s future as a free agent. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner signed a lucrative two-and-half-year deal with the Saudi Arabian outfit and is expected to earn around £173 million per year in the Middle East.
Confirming that the Portuguese football star is now signed to the club, Al-Nassr tweeted;
“History in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome Cristiano to your new home.”
History in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome @Cristiano to your new home @AlNassrFC pic.twitter.com/oan7nu8NWC
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) December 30, 2022
Al Nassr Chairman Musalli Al-Muammar added;
“This deal is more than just writing a new historical chapter. This player is a higher example for all athletes and youth in the world, and with his presence in Al-Nassr, we will move forward to achieve more success for the club, Saudi sports, and future generations.”
Al-Nassr currently sit at the top of the Saudi Pro League, having won seven of their opening 10 matches. They’ve conceded just six goals, with Cameroon star Vincent Aboubakar leading the line.
Georgina Rodriguez gifts Cristiano Ronaldo a Rolls Royce
Portuguese football star, Cristiano Ronaldo is ending the year with a Rolls Royce gift from his partner, Georgina Rodriguez.
Rodriguez shared a video that captured moment she gave him the luxury car gift and how he reacted to it.
A mini tour of the celebrations at the footballer’s household, including a candlelit dining table and Father Christmas handing out presents were also captured in the video. There were also multiple bags of Louis Vuitton goodies ready for opening and new bikes for the kids.
Sharing a photo of him seated in the luxurious £300,000-worth Rolls Royce, Ronaldo wrote “Thank you, my love.”
Rodriguez had also in February 2022, gifted his partner who is currently without any club a $100,000-worth Cadillac Escalade as his 37th birthday gift.
Mbappe thinks Ronaldo is better than Messi
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup final between France and Argentina, PSG star, Abdou Diallo has revealed that his teammate, Kylian Mbappe believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is well clear of Lionel Messi in the age-old debate between the pair.
In the last few days, most football debates have centered around Ronaldo and Messi as this would be their last World Cup tournament.
The duo have been battling it out for honors and trophies over the past two decades but a World Cup win for Messi could finally end the debate.
Wading into the debate, Diallo, who is currently on loan at RB Leipzig, said Mbappe thinks Ronaldo is the greatest of his generation rather than Messi.
He told Daily Mail;
“Cristiano Ronaldo is literally everything to Kylian Mbappe. If you mention Lionel Messi against Cristiano, Mbappe will debate with you for at least an hour. For him, Cristiano is untouchable.”
While Mbappe and Messi will remain teammates till the end of the season, Inter Miami has already expressed interest in the services of the Argentine. Mbappe has also been linked to Real Madrid.