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Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Manchester United and joins a Saudi Arabian team

2023.01.14 10:30:00 Jessica Jiyeon Kim
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[Image of Cristiano Ronaldo’s back. Credit to Pxhere.com]

Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Manchester United was terminated, allowing the Portuguese footballer the possibility to join the Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr FC in 2023.

His contract, which wasn’t to end until June of 2023, was suddenly terminated due to a “mutual agreement,” as Manchester United claimed on their website.

Fans believe this was ignited by Ronaldo’s recent interview with Morgan Piers, where he revealed that he felt betrayed by the football club.

“I felt some people don’t want me here, not just this year, but last year too,” he said.

When asked by Piers if the senior executives at Manchester United were attempting to get rid of him, he nodded, simply stating, “Yes, that I felt betrayed.”

“He (referring to his coach, Erik ten Hag) don’t respect the way I should deserve,” he said. “But it is what it is. This is why probably, the game against Tottenham, I left.”

More trouble had arisen before this interview.

In recent games, there were moments Ronaldo disobeyed his coach, ten Hag, leading people to believe that there was tension between Ronaldo and multiple executives at Man United.

In a game at Old Trafford, Ronaldo left the stadium during match after refusing to substitute when the coach did not allow him to play for the majority of the game.

This incident led to a 2-match suspension, and Ronaldo was fined £50,000.

He said, “It's something that I regret to leave from the stadium… It's difficult to tell you 100% but let's say I regret it, but in the same way, I felt provoked by the coach. Not allowed for me a coach to put me in three minutes in a game. Sorry, I'm not that kind of player. I know what I can give to the teams.”

This controversial move from Ronaldo has most likely factored into his mutual agreement to end his contract.

As an unsigned footballer, Ronaldo was rumored to have received a proposal to play in Al-Nassr FC in 2023 and recently signed.

The offer paid Ronaldo 200 million euros per year until his retirement.

According to Pubity on Instagram, this deal is a “record-breaking contract” for the Saudi Arabian team, as Ronaldo can approximately profit half a billion euros from this deal before he retires.

Although Al-Nassr has denied these claims, they recently confirmed their offer, as it was signed according to Marca.

This plan includes Saudi Arabia’s application to host the World Cup in the future.

They believe that by signing Ronaldo onto their team and as their ambassador, the country will be strongly considered in FIFA’s decision.

Ronaldo’s transition also refers to his absence in European elite football, where he played his entire career up until now.

He commented, “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.”


Jessica Jiyeon Kim / Grade 8
Korea International School