In pictures: Ronaldo, family given heroes’ welcome at Al Nassr unveiling in Riyadh

Cristiano Ronaldo and his family were given a roaring welcome at the Portugal star’s official unveiling for Al Nassr.

Team Sportstar

  04 January, 2023 08:22 IST

  04 January, 2023 08:22 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo described himself as a "unique player" and insisted his career was not over as he received a thunderous welcome at his new club in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.Photo: AFP

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"It's not the end of my career to come to Saudi Arabia. This is why I change and, to be honest, I'm really not worried about what people say," Ronaldo said.Photo: AFP

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The Portuguese superstar, 37, said he had done all he could in Europe and was hungry for a new challenge as he was greeted by fireworks and deafening roars at Al Nassr's Mrsool Park stadium.Photo: AP

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The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, with five Champions League titles to his name, signed for an estimated 200 million euros to June 2025 not long after his acrimonious split with Manchester United.Photo: AP

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"In Europe my work is done... I had many offers in Europe, many in Brazil, Australia, the US, even in Portugal," he added. "Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club."Photo: Getty Images

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The packed, 25,000-capacity stadium erupted when Ronaldo, dressed in Al Nassr's yellow and blue kit, walked on the pitch, saluting the crowd as fireworks and floodlights flashed around him.Photo: Getty Images

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Excitement is at fever-pitch over the arrival of Ronaldo, the highest-profile player to come to Saudi Arabia, the Gulf or any country in the Asian confederation.Photo: REUTERS

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His girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez, wearing the traditional black abaya or all-covering robe worn by most Saudi women, followed at a distance along with Ronaldo's children.Photo: REUTERS

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Fans queued down the street to buy Ronaldo's Al Nassr shirt with his trademark number seven, and Al Nassr's Instagram page gained millions of new followers after his signing was made public.Photo: AP

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"The only team that beat the World Champions was Saudi Arabia. Remember that. The league is very competitive. I am ready to play. I will play tomorrow if the coach lets me," Ronaldo said at the unveiling.Photo: AFP

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"I'm a unique player. It's good to come here, I broke all the records there (in Europe) and I want to break a few records here," Ronaldo said earlier.Photo: AP

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"I'm coming here to win, to play, to enjoy, to be part of the success of the country and culture of the country," he added.Photo: REUTERS

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