Following his world-record free-agent switch to Saudi Arabia giants Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo has listed the countries in which clubs had made offers to him after his departure from Manchester United.
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The 37-year-old was officially unveiled in the Middle East on Tuesday evening in front of thousands of fans, a welcoming reminiscent of his well-attended unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu after joining Real Madrid in 2009.
Prior to his first meeting with supporters, Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner sat through a press conference and fielded questions from journalists eager to catch a glimpse of the ex-United forward, and was asked to explain his decision to join Al Nassr.
Ronaldo, who previously appeared to be determined to stay in the UEFA Champions League, insisted he could not go back on his word despite receiving proposals from other clubs in Europe, as well as from sides in the United States and his country of birth.
"I can say now that many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, in Australia, US and even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me," he said, according to Fabrizio Romano.
"I gave my word to this club; only to Al Nassr.
"My work in Europe is done. I played at the best clubs in the world… and I won everything. I'm happy, proud to join Al Nassr.
"People don't know about the level here. This contract is unique because I am a unique player. It's normal for me."
Ronaldo has reportedly become the highest-paid player in the world with his move to the Saudi club, a transfer that has drawn criticism considering certain comments he had made to Piers Morgan late last year.
Ronaldo 'Waited' For Offer From Ex-Club Before Al-Nassr Move
The former Juventus No. 7 implied at the time that it would have been easy to move to Saudi Arabia to earn big money but that he still backed himself to continue in Europe.
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