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Cristiano Ronaldo has been training at Real Madrid's Valdebebas training camp, but after reportedly agreeing to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr FC.
The Madrid icon is currently without a club following his departure from Manchester United during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. And according to Marca, he has decided to join Al-Nassr, and will play for the Saudi Arabian side from January 1.
Should the move materialise, Ronaldo will become the highest-paid athlete in the world, earning a figure of €200 million per season.
The 37-year-old had denied accepting the Saudi Arabian's side's offer during the World Cup group stage. However, he now appears to be heading to play in the Saudi Pro League, where he could be coached by former Olympique Lyonnais manager Rudi Garcia.
The Portuguese forward reportedly called his former side Real Madrid to ask if he could train and keep fit before joining Al-Nassr. Los Blancos academy players then heard that Ronaldo was training at the Valdebebas facilities, and tried to get a picture with the legendary forward.
Ronaldo is coming off a disappointing 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with Portugal, scoring just one goal in five games. Selecao das Quinas were eliminated in the quarterfinals following a 1-0 defeat to Morocco on Saturday (December 10).
Ronaldo was dropped to the substitutes bench by Portuguese manager Fernando Santos in the loss to the Atlas Lions as well as the side's 6-1 last-16 thrashing of Switzerland.
Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo to leave European football?
If Cristiano Ronaldo does join Al-Nassr, he will be exiting European football for the first time in his career.
The Portuguese great has played for four European teams: Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United and Sporting CP. He has dominated European football, making 949 appearances, scoring 701 goals and providing 223 assists.
Ronaldo has won the UEFA Champions League on five occasions and won league titles in Spain, England and Italy.
His move to the Saudi Arabian Pro League could be the catalyst for more top talent to follow suit.
David Beckham had a similar impact on Major League Soccer when he arrived at LA Galaxy in 2010. The likes of Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney all followed him to the USA soon after.
Saudi Arabian teams can offer astronomical fees to players, and Ronaldo's potential arrival could start a revolution in the Middle Eastern league.
