Cristiano Ronaldo was apparently “fooled by the big contract” into joining Saudi club Al Nassr, according to Barcelona legend Rivaldo.
The Portuguese sensation joined Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in January after parting ways with Manchester United. The Saudi club offered the star footballer a contract of 200 million euros a year that made him the world’s best-paid player.
According to reports, Ronaldo has decided to leave Saudi Arabia and go back to Europe. Rivaldo, a Barcelona icon, has pushed Ronaldo to return to where he excelled as a player.
What did Rivaldo say?
The Brazilian said in an interview with AS, “I understand that sometimes the players are fooled by the big contract they sign in Saudi Arabia, but then life there is more closed and football is not always as easy as expected.”
“So, you may be going through a phase of some disappointment and even reflection. If the money he is receiving makes up for the not-so-happy life he is living at the moment.”
He also warned that Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s greatest rival may soon face this same situation. “This happens to all players, and Messi himself will soon be able to witness it.” The Argentine has reportedly been offered a 400 million euro offer per season from Saudi club Al Hilal. This deal could make Messi overthrow Ronaldo as the highest-paid footballer on the planet.
🗣️ Rivaldo: “Something I want to see happen? It would be beautiful for football to see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Real Madrid to end his career. Of course he’s no longer the 25/26 year old player he once was. But he would still help the team when needed.” pic.twitter.com/xQUYWrunSk
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 4, 2023
He also said it would be good for Ronaldo to return to Real Madrid, where he spent nine years winning everything. “It would be good for him and for football to see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Real Madrid to finish his career. Of course, the fans have to understand that they cannot demand the same from him as he did when he was 25 or 26 years old, but he can still help the club in more achievements.”
Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr so far
Ronaldo continued his great scoring streak in Saudi Arabia, scoring in Al Nassr’s 4-0 victory against Al Raed on Saturday. He scored their first goal of the game before being controversially refused a penalty after being hauled down inside the penalty box. The Saudi team then scored three more to seal a comfortable win.
Ronaldo has nine victories, two draws, and four losses in all competitions in his four months with the club. The five-time winner has some right to be upset, having scored 12 goals in his 15 games. The Portuguese forward may not win any trophy at the end of the season. This could make him trophyless for the second season in a row.
Ronaldo had his second cup exit of the season when Al Wehda beat Al Nassr 1-0. This was in the King Cup of Champions semi-finals. Additionally, he was already eliminated from the Saudi Super Cup in January. And now his club is three points behind league leaders Al Ittihad.
Ronaldo has also had some negative incidents on the pitch. He performed a harsh tackle on an opposition player earning him some mockery from fans. And also apparently did an indecent gesture towards rival fans.
The striker is also facing some off-the-field problems. He was recently seen in a hospital where his daughter was undergoing surgery. He is also reportedly facing problems in his relationship with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez.
Al Nassr will next face Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League tomorrow. Ronaldo will hope to score again and help his team win the game.
