Cristiano Ronaldo has been offered a lucrative three-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr which would see him become the highest-paid player in football history, according to reports.
The Portuguese superstar is currently a free agent after his contract with Manchester United was terminated last week following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he slammed the club’s hierarchy and said he would ‘never respect’ manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo will be able to join a new club when the transfer window reopens in January and he was believed to be keen to join a side competing in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
But, if a European giant does not come in for him, the 37-year-old may have to reconsider a move to Saudi Arabia.
Al Nassr offered Ronaldo – and United – a very lucrative deal in the summer, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner claimed in his interview with Morgan that he rejected the £300million, two-year deal because he still felt he could contribute and make an impact at Old Trafford.
Now, according to CBS Sports, that offer is back on the table – and Al Nassr have even offered him a three-year deal this time meaning he would play on into his 40s.
The Saudi Arabian club have already held extensive talks with Ronaldo’s representatives and negotiations are relatively advanced, though the Portuguese captain is only focused on the World Cup right now and a decision will only be made once the tournament is over.
Ronaldo opened his 2022 World Cup account against GhanaAsked about the £300m offer, Ronaldo told Morgan earlier this month: ‘It’s true, yes it’s true… but what the press keeping say, the garbage, is that nobody wants me, which is completely wrong.
‘And I was happy here [at Manchester United] to be honest, I was motivated to do a great season here.
‘But they continue to repeat that nobody wants Cristiano. How they don’t want a player who scored 32 goals last year, with national team [included]?’
On turning down the offer £300m, he added: ‘It’s hard, it’s hard. But in the same way, I thought that I was very happy here; that I still capable to score goals.
‘I still believe that I can score many, many goals and help the team because I still believe that I’m still good and capable to help national team – even Manchester United.’
In addition to Al Nassr, several MLS clubs – including David Beckham’s Inter Miami and both LA-based sides – are also interested in signing Ronaldo while a sentimental return to Sporting Lisbon could be on the cards if he accepts a massive salary reduction.