Cristiano Ronaldo has made a landmark move to Al-Nassr, a leading Saudi Arabian club, following his departure from Manchester United amid controversy. Announced on Friday, Ronaldo's new contract extends until the summer of 2025.

It is reported that he will earn an unprecedented $75 million per year, positioning him as the highest paid player in the history of the sport, a figure ESPN sources have not contested.

Ronaldo expressed enthusiasm about embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career in a different football league and country. In the statement released by Al-Nassr, he commended the club's ambitious vision for football development in Saudi Arabia, for both men and women, and acknowledged the country's growing football potential as evidenced by its recent World Cup performance. Ronaldo, having achieved considerable success in Europe, stated, "This is the right moment to share my experience in Asia," and looks forward to contributing to Al-Nassr's success.

The move comes after Ronaldo and Manchester United mutually agreed to terminate his contract following a revealing interview he gave last month. In preparation for his next career steps, Ronaldo was seen training solo at Real Madrid's Valdebebas facility after Portugal's World Cup campaign, where he made headlines as the first male player to score in five World Cups, despite Portugal's quarterfinal exit under his captaincy.

In light of Ronaldo's departure, Manchester United's manager, Erik ten Hag, remarked that the club is now focused on the future, stating, "Ronaldo is gone, and it's the past."

Al-Nassr, based in Riyadh and competing in the Saudi Pro League, is one of the most successful clubs in Saudi Arabia. Club president Musalli Almuammar heralded Ronaldo's signing as a historic and inspirational event for the club, the league, and the nation at large. He praised Ronaldo's unique impact on and off the field, emphasizing that the football star's arrival aligns with Al-Nassr's ambitious goals and Saudi Arabia's broader progress in sports and society. Almuammar eagerly anticipates Ronaldo donning the number 7 jersey, scoring goals, winning titles, and bringing joy to football enthusiasts.