Monday’s tackle – Cristiano Ronaldo’s big mess


CHRONICLE – The Portuguese striker gave in to a fabulous offer from a Saudi club. His end of career definitely leaves a very bitter taste.





By Adrian Mathieu

His salary is estimated at 16.7 million euros per month.
 © – / Al Nassr Football Club / AFP

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To soon to be 38, Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. If his delirious salary estimated at 16.7 million euros per month makes a lot of talk, the Portuguese striker has also disappointed some of his fans by accepting this challenge. But while he still considered himself in good shape and capable of taking up new challenges, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had to face the facts: he no longer has the level for the requirements and the pace of the very high level.

While his end to the 2021-2022 season with Manchester United was interesting, his sudden decline coincided with questionable choices on his part. His refusal to take part in the preparation for the new season and his fierce desire to leave the Mancunian club barely a year after his return have damaged his image. With the absence of the Champions League, his favorite competition, Cristiano Ronaldo made a whim worthy of a five-year-old child to hope to play the big-eared cup at all costs.

A truthful interview

Atlético de Madrid, Naples, Chelsea and even Frankfurt: the doors closed little by little. With his agent Jorge Mendes, too financially greedy, and clubs simply reluctant to bet on a player on the decline, Cristiano Ronaldo ended up losing his means. His interview in November with Pierce Morgan where he spoke of betrayal on the part of Manchester United and his coach, Erik ten Hag, shows a bitterness that is difficult to justify: CR7 has chosen to light the fires against the fire that he triggered himself.

And his situation did not improve in selection with Portugal. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the former Real Madrid player drew the wrath of his coach, Fernando Santos. Frustrated to be replaced in the third group match against South Korea, Cristiano Ronaldo got really angry. Consequence: for what was probably his last World Cup, the striker lost his starting place in the eighth and then in the quarter-finals. Eliminated with his team by Morocco, he left the field of Doha moved to tears, a few days before seeing his great rival Lionel Messi lift the World Cup. The chalice to the dregs for the fallen champion.

A failed return home

A new life awaits Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. Another outcome was quite possible: that of a resounding comeback in Portugal. Returning to the Portuguese championship and more particularly to Sporting, where it all started, would have been great. In a sometimes underestimated championship, which lacks attendance and visibility, the native of Madeira would have put a tremendous spotlight.

READ ALSOMonday’s tackle – Ballon d’Or: finish with Messi and RonaldoIf he still has two or three years to complete the loop at home, this hasty departure to the Middle East leaves a funny feeling. However, the honor is except for Cristiano Ronaldo, who would have refused for the moment to support the candidacy of Saudi Arabia to host the 2030 World Cup, opposed to that of Portugal, co-organizer with the Spain and Ukraine for the same edition. But with Riyadh’s unlimited means, perhaps this position will be difficult to hold in the future.






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