SOCCER

How much did Cristiano Ronaldo turn down to play for Al-Hilal?

Reports in Portugal state the Manchester United player received a huge offer from Al-Hilal for a contract running for two years.

FRANCISCO LEONGAFP

Matters surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo have not been quiet this summer, which was punctuated by rumours of the possible departure of the Portuguese star from Manchester United. That was certainly the player’s intention. However, the offers he had on the table were not ones that he was interested in and those that he was keen on failed to turn into anything concrete. Now the transfer market has closed and Ronaldo remains a United player, one offer that he received has been revealed: CNN Portugal reoprts that Ronaldo rejected an offer of €242 million to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, who offered him a two-year contract.

Ronaldo, despite the offer translating as a cool €2m per week, turned it down: the 37-year-old’s goal is to remain among the football elite. His reasoning for wishing to leave was to sign for a Champions club in 2022-23, something that ultimately did not happen. There was talk of Atlético Madrid, Sporting Lisbon and Napoli, but none of those opportunities came to fruition.

For the time being, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will remain in the Premier League. He still has one year left on his contract at Old Trafford but has so far this season been reduced to a bench role under Erik ten Hag. However, Saudi Arabia remains on the table for the Portugal captain. The president of the Saudi Arabian league, Yasser Al-Misehal, told The Athletic, that he “would like to see a player like Cristiano Ronaldo” in the Saudi league.

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