[ad_1]
A handout image released by Saudi Arabia’s al-Nassr football club shows Al-Nassr’s new Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo entering the field during the opening ceremony at Mrsool Park Stadium in the Saudi capital Riyadh on January 3, 2023. (Photo by Jorge Ferrari/Al Nassr Football Club /AFP)
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo could make his debut in Saudi Arabia on January 22 after he was successfully signed by new team Al Nassr, club sources told AFP on Saturday.
Ronaldo, who was announced to fans this week, joined the squad list after Al Nassr terminated Manchester United-linked forward Vincent Aboubakar to remain among the eight foreign nationals determined by the Saudi league.
He will now be available for the January 22 home game against Ettifaq after serving a two-match ban handed down in November for damaging a fan’s mobile phone while playing for Manchester United.
“Al Nassr terminated Vincent Aboubakar’s contract by mutual agreement and he acquired all his financial rights,” a club source said, adding that Ronaldo was signed up before Al Nassr’s match against Al Ta’ee on Friday.
“So now he is serving one game of the ban and will serve another one against Al Shabab” on January 14, the source said.
The official declined to comment on reports that Aboubakar, 30, could walk to Manchester United, saying he is now a free agent and can negotiate with any team.
Ronaldo, 37, joined Al Nassr in a deal believed to be worth around 200 million euros which has shone in the Saudi Pro League.
It comes as Saudi Arabia, which sees neighboring Qatar host the World Cup in November and December, is considering a joint bid for the 2030 tournament with Greece and Egypt.
The deeply conservative kingdom is snapping up sports assets as part of a drive to soften its harsh image, attract foreign interest and diversify its oil-dependent economy.
Critics accuse the Saudis of “laundering sports” – using sports to divert attention from human rights controversies.
gsg
Read Next
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & 70+ other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to news, download from 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For suggestions, complaints, or questions, please contact us.
[ad_2]
Source link