Cape Town – Cristiano Ronaldo may have had Mzansi on his mind when he mistakenly said “South Africa” instead of “Saudi Arabia” at a press conference amidst his unveiling ceremony thrown by the Saudi Arabian club he now plays for, Al Nassr.
Many football fans and pundits from across the world are of the opinion that Ronaldo moving to a Saudi Arabian club signals the end of his illustrious career.
During his first press conference for his new club, Ronaldo addressed those who thought this saying, “in Europe, my work is done. I played at the best clubs in the world… and I won everything. I’m happy, proud to join Al Nassr”.
“People don’t know about the level here. This contract is unique because I am a unique player. It’s normal for me,” he added.
However, for a moment it seemed that he had forgotten his new work will be focused on Saudi Arabia and thought momentarily that he was in Mzansi when he said, “It’s not the end of my career to come to South Africa”.
Ronaldo : “It’s not the end of my career to come to South Africa”
Thatha Mzansi ??????pic.twitter.com/yY5jU4fsC3
— Thomas Mlambo (@thomasmlambo) January 3, 2023
South Africans on social media users were full of jokes as always, not letting the moment go by without laughs or cracking a few jokes.
Bathong @KaizerChiefs why
haven’t you said you signed Christiano Ronaldo???. When are you announcing him???— K?K£T$? (@Koketso_M23) January 3, 2023
He wanted to play for Kaizer Chiefs
— Kamo Gininda (@KamoheloG) January 3, 2023
Ronaldo wants to come to South Africa…. https://t.co/n123AQYKXG
— Mosifane Johannes (@Mosifane) January 4, 2023
@KaizerChiefs please bring @Cristiano here, he wanted to come to @SouthAfrica. https://t.co/Ua8va632D6
— Anger Manager (@JojoMcebisi) January 4, 2023
Can someone please edit that Ronaldo video saying he is excited to be in South Africa with the lights going off and the commentators screaming “LOADSHEDDIIINNNGGG”? #SouthAfrica
— mmm (@manutdafr) January 4, 2023
We know you said South Africa for a reason Cristiano Ronaldo https://t.co/Aszv76ONns pic.twitter.com/VBZLbZDVmP
— alpha?? (@alphaUTD1) January 3, 2023
Welcome to South Africa Ronaldo! Amakhosi = biggest club! pic.twitter.com/nZw64FPhX3
— Luvuko Nombembe (@luvukonombembe) January 3, 2023
@KaizerChiefs admin when were u gonna announce this? Cristiano Ronaldo coming to South Africa ??? https://t.co/3FJgfHrGhH pic.twitter.com/Kaqu3rXuDI
— Tumi (@TumzaYDN) January 3, 2023
Saudi Arabia really just paid Cristiano Ronaldo $200m to say he’s excited to play in ‘South Africa’ ??
— Ashley Molefe Mahoni (@Ke_Ash) January 3, 2023
The 5-time Ballon d’Or winner confessed that many clubs were after his signature, but he chose Al Nassr as his new challenge.
“I can say now that many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, in Australia, US and even in Portugal many clubs tried to sign me,” Ronaldo said.
“I gave my word to this club; only to Al Nassr.”
Ronaldo’s contract at the Saudi club will reportedly see him earn a salary of £177 million a year, making him the highest-paid athlete in history. The deal will see Ronaldo play his football in Saudi until 2025.
Watch his first press conference for Al Nassr here:
Watch the unveiling of Ronaldo at his new club here:
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Picture: Twitter/ @AlNassrFC_EN
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
