Sports
Ronaldo’s Deal With Al Nassr Didn’t Mandate Him To Back Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Bid
According to Cristiano Ronaldo’s new club Al Nassr, nothing in his contract obligates him to support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Reports claim that Ronaldo’s deal with the Saudi Arabian club will earn him $177 million yearly. In addition to that, Ronaldo will receive 200 million euros (£177 million) to promote the bid.
File photo of Cristiano Ronaldo during his unveiling as Al Nassr’s player.
Contrary to the viral reports, Al Nassr said in a statement on Tuesday that Ronaldo’s deal with the club “does not imply commitments to any World Cup bids.”
“His main focus is on Al Nassr and to work with his team-mates to help the club achieve success,” the club’s statement added.
Following a contentious interview with veteran British journalist Piers Morgan in which he criticized Manchester United, the Portugal captain left the club and signed with the Saudi team as a free agent in December.
On January 22, when Al Nassr takes on Ettifaq, the 37-year-old football icon will make his club debut. However, he may play in a warm-up game against Paris St. Germain before that.
A united bid for the 2030 World Cup between Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Greece is being considered. Based on the statement from Al Nassr, the five times Ballon d’Or winner will not play any part in helping the countries to win the bid.
