JAKARTA - Cristiano Ronaldo felt the challenge in Europe had run out so he decided to move to the Saudi Arabian Pro League to join Al Nassr.
That's what Ronaldo said in his first press conference at Al Nassr. The statement also answered the criticism he received after making the decision to move to Asia.
"I am very proud to make this big decision in my life and in football," Ronaldo said at the opening of the conference on Tuesday local time, reported by Live Score.
"In Europe, my job is done. I won everything and played for the most important club in Europe," he added.
Ronaldo confirmed his move to Al Nassr last week. His decision to join the Riyadh-based team has shocked many people.
However, Ronaldo claims there was actually an offer in Europe, but rejected their proposal to be able to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al Nassr.
"This is a great opportunity for me, not only in football, but also to change the mentality of the new generation in Saudi Arabia," he said.
"I have many opportunities in Europe, in Brazil, in the United States, and even in Portugal, but I promise this club, for the opportunity to develop football in this amazing country."
He further said that his move to Asia remains a tough challenge for him because football is currently very competitive and Asia cannot be underestimated.
"Many people talk and give their opinion, but actually they don't know anything about football," Ronaldo said.
"If you set an example of the World Cup, the only team to beat [Argentina] champions is Saudi Arabia, don't forget that."
"To me, this is not the end of my career. I want to change and I'm not worried about what people say. I made a decision and I am responsible for that," he concluded.
Ronaldo will receive a wage of IDR 3.3 trillion per year at Al Nassr. That figure makes him the player with the highest salary in football and sports as a whole.
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