Cristiano Ronaldo has now spoken for the first time since signing for Al Nassr, and insisted, perhaps surprisingly, that he had multiple offers from teams in Europe after his departure from Manchester United.
The 37-year-old received a thunderous welcome at his new club on Tuesday evening, complete with fireworks and huge roars from the reported 25 000 in the crowd at Mrsool Park stadium.
Ronaldo, who will reportedly be paid $75 million (R1.2 billion) a year by Al Nassr to make him the highest-paid player in history, could make his debut on Thursday against Saudi Pro League side Al Ta'ee, who have former Kaizer Chiefs star Knowledge Musona in their ranks.
Read: Man Utd 'eyeing' Ronaldo's new teammate
Speaking at his unveiling, the veteran opened up about the other offers he had before choosing to sign for the Saudi giants.
"I'm so proud to make this big decision in my life," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said, per ESPN.
"In Europe, my work is done.
"I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe. This is a new challenge.
"Nobody knows this, but I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia, America, 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."
Read: Ronaldo's special EPL clause with Al Nassr 'revealed'
According to Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia, Ronaldo's incoming is a step in the right direction for the Saudi Arabian league.
"In my life, I've seen that great players like Cristiano are the simplest to manage, because there's nothing I can teach him," the manager said.
"Like he said, we are here to win, nothing else. I want him to enjoy playing with Al Nassr and winning with Al Nassr, just that."
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