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Cristiano Ronaldo was set to receive ‘a lucrative offer to join Saudi Arabia’s Pro League’ just months after he ‘turned down a £210M bid’ because he wanted to continue playing at the top level
- Ronaldo could get a lucrative offer to play in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League
- The 37-year-old said goodbye to Man United after his explosive interview
- Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal previously offered Ronaldo a contract worth £210 million
- Signing Ronaldo could help in their campaign to host the 2030 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to receive a lucrative offer to play in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League following the termination of his contract with Manchester United, according to reports.
The 37-year-old parted ways with United after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticized the club, Erik ten Hag and the Glazers.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal previously offered Ronaldo a contract worth £210 million for two seasons. However, he turned it down because he wanted to continue playing football at the highest level.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to receive a lucrative offer to play in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League
According to The TelegraphRonaldo could get a lucrative offer to play in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League after leaving United.
Saudi Arabia is considering a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup and thinks Ronaldo’s presence in the Middle East could help their campaign.
Saudi Arabia’s influence on the sporting world has grown in recent years, after seeing neighboring Qatar win the hosting rights to the 2022 World Cup.
However, critics have repeatedly accused the Saudis of “sportswashing” – spending huge amounts of money on organizing sporting events in an attempt to boost the country’s reputation, despite its poor human rights record.
Saudi Arabia has spent at least $1.5 billion on high-profile international sporting events, according to a report by human rights organization Grant Liberty.
Ronaldo parted ways with United after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan
That includes hosting Anthony Joshua’s world heavyweight boxing rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019, as well as a European Tour golf tournament featuring many of the game’s biggest names – the Saudi International – and the Dakar Rally.
The Saudis also hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time this year and are now looking to host the 2030 World Cup.
They reportedly see Ronaldo as a valuable addition to their campaign and could then offer the 37-year-old a lucrative deal to play in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League.
The news comes after Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United was announced by the Red Devils via a 67-word statement on Tuesday.
United’s lawyers have been trying to tear up his deal since Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Morgan aired in two parts last week.
A statement released by United on Tuesday evening read: “Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United by mutual agreement with immediate effect.
Ronaldo (right) criticized Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during the interview
Ronaldo is currently absent from international duty with Portugal at the 2022 World Cup
The club thanks him for his tremendous contribution during two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family all the best for the future.
“Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to achieve success on the pitch.”
Ronaldo released his own statement following the news, writing: “Following talks with Manchester United, we have mutually agreed to terminate our contract early.
“I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never change. However, it feels like the right time for me to look for a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the rest of the season and for the future.’
Ronaldo’s position at the club became untenable after he criticized the club, the Glazers, manager Erik ten Hag and his teammates in the interview.
United wanted to deal with Ronaldo as quickly as possible and only needed four days to show him the door.