Cristiano Ronaldo signs for Al-Nassr football club for $75 million per year

Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that Cristiano Ronaldo has joined the team. As a result of his tumultuous and contentious departure from his last team, Manchester United, the striker garnered media attention in November.

According to a number of publications, including CBS Sports and ESPN, Ronaldo's contract will pay him $75 million annually through 2025.

"I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country," the 37-year-old player said in Al-Nassr's statement about the deal.

"The vision of what Al Nassr are doing and developing in Saudi Arabia both in terms of men's and women's football is very inspiring," Ronaldo continued. 

"We can see from Saudi Arabia's recent performance at the World Cup that this is a country with big football ambitions and a lot of potential."

The Portuguese strike concluded: "I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia. I am looking forward to joining my new teammates and together with them help the Club to achieve success."

The decision is a little shocking, and several insiders in the sports industry believe the renowned player didn't have any strong incentives to stay in Europe.

Al-Nassr FC elaborated on Ronaldo's joining the team in a subsequent announcement.

"History in the making," it said. "This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome, Cristiano to your new home."