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Portugal fans suggest next club for Ronaldo after Man Utd exit
Saudi Arabian interest in Cristiano Ronaldo is 'stronger than ever' after the termination of his Manchester United contract on Tuesday. And the 37-year-old striker has received a lucrative offer to play into his 40s if he wants to break new ground and take his super-stardom to the Middle East.
Ronaldo made a positive start to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scoring from the penalty spot in Portugal's 3-2 win against Ghana. In doing so, the iconic No 7 became the first male player in history to find the net in five different World Cup tournaments.
His impressive continued goalscoring exploits haven't gone unnoticed across the Qatar-Saudi Arabia border, amid persistence about making him the face of Saudi football. Despite rejecting a blockbuster offer to leave United for the Gulf state in the summer, Ronaldo now has another on the table.
According to CBS Sports, Saudi giants Al Nassr have held extensive talks with Jorge Mendes and are prepared to hand Ronaldo a three-year deal worth over £186million. Interest from the country is at an all-time high, given his newfound availability, and he would pocket £62m a year if he made the jump.
Cristiano Ronaldo could be heading to Saudi Arabia. (Image: GETTY)
The report claims a contract was initiated over the summer, and talks are advancing, but Ronaldo is yet to make a final decision on his future. If he decides to give up on his Champions League desires and head to Saudi Arabia, a deal isn't expected to take long to wrap up.
There is a sense that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is waiting for a European heavyweight to offer him attractive terms, with Lionel Messi closing in on his Champions League goal record. Ronaldo is the competition's top goalscorer with 140 strikes, but Messi is closing the gap at PSG and is now just 11 behind on 129.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in five World Cups. (Image: Getty)
But the United great's mind could be at rest amid heightening reports that his Argentine rival is ready to head to the MLS. And it could be a significant factor in any potential decision to land in the Saudi Pro League in the coming months.
Al Nassr are attractive as Saudi Arabian clubs come. They are one of Asia's most successful outfits, lifting nine league titles in their history. And they could soon boast one of the greatest footballers of all time when he decides on his next destination after the World Cup is out of the way.
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