Controversy, complaints & Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi Arabia story so far with Man United proven right

The idea of playing in Saudi Arabia was floated to Cristiano Ronaldo before he had even left Manchester United.

"Again, it comes back to my gut feeling about you, that if it was just about money you'd be in Saudi Arabia earning a King’s ransom," Piers Morgan observed during his now infamous interview with the Portuguese legend. "But that’s not what motivates you. You want to keep at the top."

"Exactly," Ronaldo responded. "Because I still believe that I can score many, many goals and help the team (United). I still believe that I’m good and capable to help the national team."

ALSO READ: Ronaldo reacts furiously during Al Nassr defeat

Four days after part two of the interview aired on TalkTV, Ronaldo had agreed to exit Old Trafford. His Manchester departure meant he was the only free agent at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. A goal in the opening match against Ghana saw Ronaldo become the first player to score at five different World Cups.

However, his role with the Portuguese national team became more diminished as the tournament went on. Goncalo Ramos was earning the praise for his country while Ronaldo faded out of the limelight.

Ultimately, it would all end in tears for the ex-United man and his teammates as Portugal were knocked out by surprise package Morocco in the quarter-finals. And on New Year's Eve, Ronaldo began a new chapter with Al Nassr.

Reports circulating in the media had claimed the former United striker had exhausted all of his options in Europe and the Middle East was the only option left on the table. But, the 38-year-old moved quickly to reject those suggestions.

"I am eager to experience a new football league in a different country," Ronaldo explained. "Al Nassr's vision is very inspiring."

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