Cristiano Ronaldo says his work was done in Europe and is happy with his decision to join Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr as he looks to take on a new challenge in the Middle East.
Having seen his Manchester United contract terminated in November after criticising the club in an inflammatory interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo sealed his move to Al Nassr last week.
His decision to join the Riyadh-based side has surprised many, with it coming just a few months after Ronaldo attempted to leave United in search of Champions League football.
However, the 37-year-old believes he has nothing left to prove in European football, claiming he turned down proposals from several clubs to sign his two-and-a-half-year deal with Al Nassr.
Thank you Riyadh for the warm welcome! Look forward to seeing you at the stadium tonight💛💙 pic.twitter.com/0AsT4wLdYq
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 3, 2023
"I feel very good and proud because I made that big decision in my football life," said Ronaldo at his first press conference. "I did my mission in Europe well and achieved everything. Now it's time for a new challenge in Asia.
"Al-Nasr Club gave me the opportunity to go through a new experience and to be a source of inspiration for the current and future generations.
READ MORE: The clause that could let Cristiano Ronaldo leave Al Nassr and play Champions League again
"My family is very happy to be in Saudi Arabia. When I made my decision, I got their support, especially from my children. I am very happy with the welcome I had yesterday. Everyone was very generous to me.
"This is a very important opportunity, not only sporting, but to change everyone's mentality. I got some offers from Europe, the USA, Portugal, Australia, and everywhere in the world, but I gave my word for Al Nassr, and expressed my desire to participate in the development of football here and to enrich Women's football experience, I hope people change their view of football here.
Walks of the greatness 🐐💛 pic.twitter.com/7FzLZSchQ5
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 3, 2023
"Everyone talks, but not everyone knows everything. All teams are good and organised and all teams are capable of fighting. We must not forget what the Saudi national team achieved against Argentina in the World Cup, or what the teams of Korea, Japan, and others did. This is a quantum leap.
"As for me and I don't care what everyone says, I respect my decisions. Whatever happens here, I know that the Saudi League has a lot of competition. I watched some matches, and I may play my first match in a few days, if the coach allows me to do so.
"I broke all records in Europe, and I hope to break more here in Saudi Arabia. I came to Al Nassr to enjoy football, to win titles, and be part of that country."
