07 January 2023 , 05:30
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Cristiano Ronaldo's claims that he received offers from a range of clubs before joining Al-Nassr appear to be have been proven true.
The superstar joined the Saudi Pro League side a week ago after having his Manchester United contract terminated following a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan. The deal is set to see him earn £173million a year when wages and bonuses are combined.
Ronaldo was mocked by many pundits and fans when he claimed at his introductory press conference that he had received multiple offers from clubs throughout the world before choosing to join Al-Nassr.
"I'm so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe. This is a new challenge," Ronaldo said.
Cristiano Ronaldo opted to move to Saudi Arabia"Nobody knows this, but I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia, the US, and even Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me. I gave my word to this club. I want to give a different vision of this country and football. This is why I took this opportunity."
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While many questioned the veracity of Ronaldo's claims, it appears that he has now been proven to be telling the truth. That is after club president of Brazilian giants Corinthians, Duilio Monteiro Alves, revealed he had made an offer to the superstar.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Did Cristiano Ronaldo make the right decision by joining Al-Nassr? Comment below.
Cristiano Ronaldo poses with an Al-Nassr shirt (Al Nassr Football Club/AFP via G)"We made an offer to Cristiano Ronaldo. A salary equal to what he earned at United, two-year deal with the help of sponsors. I know he also had proposals from Europe. But the proposal from Saudi Arabia was 20 times higher," Alves told Bandeirantes' Donos da Bola.
"We made a proposal for a salary equal to what he earned at Manchester United, for a two-year contract. I spoke six, seven times with Jorge Mendes and, in the end, we sent a proposal through another person.
"I made the proposal and even hoped not to accept it (laughs). Just kidding, we had many partners already warned. I think we have to try. Renato Augusto, Willian thought it was funny and, well, it worked out in the end. Presiding over Corinthians, we have to look for the best in the world."
Corinthians are currently in the middle of their pre-season and will not begin their campaign for another fortnight. Ronaldo will also be sitting on the sidelines for another two weeks after it was revealed he would be banned for two games.
He served the first game of that ban, which was carried over from his time in the Premier League, on Friday. Without their superstar signing, the Knights of Najd claimed a 2-0 win over Al-Ta'ee, a win that leaves them four points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League.