Cristiano Ronaldo's historic deal with Al Nassr has led to a huge spike in interest around the Saudi club, with fans jostling to get their hands on the Portuguese star's distinctive number seven jersey ahead of his official unveiling.
Ronaldo signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Al Nassr after the end of his tumultuous second stint with Manchester United. The 37-year-old and the Premier League club parted ways after an explosive TV interview where Ronaldo criticised the club's owners and said he had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag.
Since announcing Ronaldo's signing, the club's social media following has sky-rocketed, soaring to over six million on Instagram in a matter of days. Ronaldo's number seven jersey is expected to be one of the most in demand items in Riyadh.
Ronaldo is expected to be unveiled in front of fans at Al Nassr this week, AFP reported. According to other reports in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo will land in Riyadh on Monday evening before undergoing his medical.
Ronaldo has signed a deal with Al Nassr that runs until June 2025 and is said to be worth more than $200 million a year.
Al Nassr are the second-most successful team in the league with nine titles. Their last title triumph came in the 2018/19 season. Only Al Hilal, also based in Riyadh, have won more titles (18).
The deal marks a new beginning for Ronaldo. The Portugal great has scored over 700 goals in club football and is international football's record scorer with 118 goals.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Day 1, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dimuth Karunaratne had batted with plenty of pluck, and no little skill, in getting to within seven runs of a first-day century. Then, while he ran what he thought was a comfortable single to mid-on, his batting partner Dinesh Chandimal opted to stay at home. The opener was run out by the length of the pitch.
Stat of the day - 1 One six was hit on Day 1. The boundary was only breached 18 times in total over the course of the 90 overs. When it did arrive, the lone six was a thing of beauty, as Niroshan Dickwella effortlessly clipped Mohammed Amir over the square-leg boundary.
The verdict Three wickets down at lunch, on a featherbed wicket having won the toss, and Sri Lanka’s fragile confidence must have been waning. Then Karunaratne and Chandimal's alliance of precisely 100 gave them a foothold in the match. Dickwella’s free-spirited strokeplay meant the Sri Lankans were handily placed at 227 for four at the close.
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
