Testing Times
The last few months have been quite testing for Cristiano Ronaldo ( the great CR7 ) and though he has been in the news for footballing reasons, the news has not been all encouraging for him. His uneasy stay at Manchester United culminating into the termination of his contract right at the start of the World Cup and then the controversial move of Portugal Manager to bench his captain midway through the tournament had a cascading effect on the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
A Thumbs Down from Europe
The legend was without a club to play for and his international career with the Portugese team virtually over, there was a lot of speculation as to where Ronaldo would move. Though all of 37, but still extremely fit with a zeal to score and contribute, there were many who had their eyes on him, barring the European Clubs. For them Ronaldo was over the hill and there was no contract coming from any of the teams in Europe where Ronaldo played all his life, entertaining spectators beyond measure.
A Move to the Gulf
Amongst all the gloom and dark clouds appeared a silver lining for CR7. A silver lining would be an understatement. It was a massive lightning coming from the Gulf. The Saudi Club Al Nassr based in Riyadh had successfully negotiated a contract with CR7, for 2 and a half years to represent the Club in the Saudi Pro League. A 175 million pounds per year pay check in toe, the deal has been great for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al Nassr nets Ronaldo amidst huge Buzz
The Saudis are overjoyed with this coup of sorts from Al Nassr. The anticipation is massive. The Club has ear marked the no. 7 yellow blue jersey for Ronaldo which he shall wear once he debuts for them shortly. The marketers have also not been far behind. The stores are full with Ronaldo shirts, which are flying off the shelf like hot cakes. There is a massive buzz all across the country with large hoardings flashing Ronaldo in the yellow and blue jersey of Al Nassr. The followers on social media for the Club have suddenly sky rocketed. There is a resounding air of expectation flowing through the entire Kingdom.
CR7 unveiled at Al Nassr : photo courtesy Korea Post
Benefits for CR 7 & Arab Football
Cristiano Ronaldo apart from benefitting with the large purse, would also be involved in competitive football thus lengthening his life as a footballer. And the great player he is, he would ensure his fitness remains of the highest standards. However the Saudis are to gain the most. First and foremost is the attention which they have seized of the world. The media can’t stop reporting on CR7 and since his arrival in Riyadh on Monday and his consequent unveiling by the Club on Tuesday, every news platform in the world has been reporting on the developments in Riyadh.
Apart from the media attention, Football itself is going to benefit. We have all seen some brilliant footballers from Saudi Arabia in the just concluded World Cup, and with the advent of Ronaldo there is going to be expected improvements in the playing standards in Saudi Arabia. CR7 is an inspirational player and there is no doubt he is bound to inspire many around him. In his press conference CR7 exuded confidence and reassured the media and fans alike of his very serious take of his new club and responsibility. In my opinion, there is going to be benefits for the entire Asian Continent.
Since the World Cup, the Arabs have hogged football headlines and with Ronaldo moving to Riyadh, the Arabs are still holding on to the attention. Sign of changing times, isn’t it.
Good Luck CR7.
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Featured image courtesy MARCA