Cristiano Ronaldo may have been ‘fooled’ by his £173m-a-year deal at Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, says Rivaldo

Brazilian football legend, Rivaldo believes Cristiano Ronaldo could have been ‘fooled’ when he signed his massive contract at Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo, 38, joined the Saudi Arabian side in January after his contract at Manchester United was terminated following an explosive interview criticising the club.

His £173million-a-year deal, across two-and-a-half years, makes him the best-paid player in world football.

But Brazil icon Rivaldo has suggested the vast salaries offered in Saudi Arabia mask the difficulty of the league and the way of life in the Gulf state.

He told Mundo Deportivo: ‘I understand that sometimes the players are fooled by the big contract they sign in Saudi Arabia, but then life there is more closed and football is not always as easy as expected.

‘So, you may be going through a phase of some disappointment and even reflection. If the money you’re getting makes up for the not-so-happy life you’re living right now.

‘It would be good for him and for football to see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Real Madrid to finish his career.

‘Of course, the fans have to understand that they cannot demand the same from him as when he was 25 or 26-years-old, but he can still help the club in more conquests’.

Ronaldo has scored 12 goals in 16 games in all competitions for Dinko Jelicic’s side since joining.  But is believed Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez is unhappy with life in Saudi Arabia and wants to return to Europe.

Last updated: Just Now2025-12-16T09:28:48+01:00

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