Saudi Arabia-based Cristiano Ronaldo flies to Riyadh with his family in their private jet ahead of his Al-Nassr investigation – and he could even make his debut this week after signing his £175million-a-year deal!
Cristiano Ronaldo enthusiastically addressed his new Al-Nassr fans while jetting to Saudi Arabia to undergo a medical after agreeing to his sensational £175million-a-year move to the club.
The feisty Portuguese superstar shared a story on Instagram on Monday afternoon, pointing at the camera with a wink and saying: “Hello guys, see you soon!”.
Ronaldo, who looked both excited and relaxed ahead of his trip to the Middle East, left Manchester United in November following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, which criticized both the club and manager Erik ten Hag.
Cristiano Ronaldo sent a message to Al-Nassr fans on Monday as he flew to Saudi Arabia
Ronaldo will undergo his Al-Nassr medical on Tuesday ahead of the club’s official unveiling of the 37-year-old superstar later that day.
Al Nassr has confirmed they plan to unveil Ronaldo at their 30,000 capacity stadium, Msool Park, on Tuesday night at 19:00 local time (16:00 GMT).
According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Al Nassr is ready to throw a party on the same level as Ronaldo’s Real Madrid revelation in 2009.
Announcing the news on Instagram, the club proudly featured the hashtag “Cristiano is yellow” with a picture of him performing his trademark celebration.
Ronaldo last week agreed to join Al Nassr on a record-breaking £175million-a-year deal
Ronaldo’s wife Georgina Rodriguez also posted pictures of the plane to Saudi Arabia on Instagram. The 28-year-old model accompanied her image gallery with the caption: “Not without me!”.
It is understood the veteran and his family will be staying at a luxury hotel in the capital while he searches for permanent residence in Riyadh.
Should Ronaldo prove he is fit enough to face Al Ta’ee on Thursday, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could well make his Al Nassr debut this week.
Although Thursday’s Saudi Pro League clash could be too difficult a turn in terms of game sharpness, manager Rudi Garcia is keen for the ex-Red Devils forward to score a few crucial minutes before his side’s showdown at the top of the table Table builds Al Shabab next Saturday.
His wife Georgina Rodriguez posted pictures of what appeared to be the plane on social media
With Al Nassr having to wait two weeks before they host the next game at Msool Park, the Saudi club will no doubt want Ronaldo there on Thursday before having to wait another two weeks to show their fans the greatest player of all time .
Should Ronaldo miss out against Al Ta’ee, he is likely to make his home debut against Ettifaq on January 21.
It is only a matter of time before the Portuguese plays his first game outside of a European league, having previously played for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus during his illustrious career.
Rudi Garcia risked angering his new star with a joke that he wanted to sign Lionel Messi first
On New Year’s Eve, head coach Garcia bizarrely risked angering Ronaldo when he told reporters he wanted to sign Lionel Messi first after the Argentine’s exploits at the World Cup last month.
When asked about Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia, Garcia jokingly admitted: ‘First I tried to take Messi’.
The France coach, formerly of Roma, Marseille and Lyon, took charge of Al Nassr back in June.
Ronaldo’s deal with Man United was ripped up last month after a lengthy interview with Piers Morgan
Ronaldo, who fell out of favor with both Ten Hag and former Portugal coach Fernando Santos during the World Cup, has developed a habit of cultivating strained relationships with his bosses.
The striker, who claimed in his bombshell interview with Morgan he felt “betrayed” by Manchester United, admitted he didn’t respect Ten Hag following the Dutchman’s arrival at Old Trafford this summer.
He said: “I have no respect for him because he shows no respect for me. If you don’t respect me, I will never respect you.’