01 January 2023 , 10:47
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Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has leapt to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo and his controversial move to Al-Nassr by pointing to a number of Premier League legends.
The Portuguese striker completed a record-breaking move to the Saudi outfit earlier this week having seen the remainder of his Red Devils’ contract terminated. The switch has been met with criticism - some supporters confused as to why Ronaldo has agreed a move to the country with a number of human rights’ concerns.
Meanwhile, others have questioned the fact that he has signed the most lucrative contract in world football despite having already earned vast sums throughout his career. Ferdinand has claimed that others have done the same though - an array of former Premier League stars choosing to round off their careers in MLS instead of the Saudi Pro League.
Speaking on his Vibe with FIVE podcast, he said: "It was great to see David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, it was great to see them go to America. What a way to finish their careers, getting great money, going to a league that’s not as competitive, let them go, they’ve deserved that, they’ve earned the right.
“That’s all I saw in the media. But because it’s Saudi Arabia it’s sad, it’s a disgrace. Let a man go and live, let a man go and enjoy it. It’s a new adventure he’s taking his family to experience a new culture.
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“Let’s let them go to the States and have a swansong year and just toss it off. It stinks we’re not hearing this type of talk. It’s out of order.
Cristiano Ronaldo has secured a move to Al-Nassr (Getty Images)What was your response to Ronaldo's Al-Nassr move? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“Every other player that’s gone to a less competitive league to end their career has been told you’ve earned the right. No man on the planet would have earned the right more than this guy."
Ronaldo officially penned a contract with Al-Nassr until 2025 and is expected to earn around £173m per year with the Saudi club. With the deal now done he could potentially make his debut against Al-Ta’ee later this week, although it remains to be seen how fit he is.
The 37-year-old has not played a match since mid-December during Portugal’s World Cup elimination at the hands of Morocco. It has been even longer since his last club appearance.
Ronaldo last played for Man Utd during a 3-1 Premier League defeat at the hands of Aston Villa, a game in which he captained the Red Devils.
He has however been attempting to keep up his fitness following the World Cup having been allowed to train at former club Real Madrid ’s Valdebebas training centre. There was fleeting hope that the striker could re-sign for the Spanish giants but there was little interest from Madrid chiefs in pursuing a deal.