Soccer superstar Ronaldo will make his debut in Saudi Arabia on January 22, according to local media reports. Then his new club Al-Nassr plays against the team Al-Ettifaq.
Until then, the Portuguese will have to sit out two games as he was suspended in England at the end of November and is now in effect. The Portuguese had therefore followed the first game of his new team after his commitment on an ergometer in the dressing room. A short video clip posted by the club on Twitter shows Ronaldo applauding a goal while cycling shirtless.
Saudi media praised his celebration. Even his huge success doesn’t stop the star from showing his passion for football, one journalist wrote. Another Saudi commentator is sure that local players would benefit from his enthusiasm and passion. Al-Nassr beat Al-Ta’ee 2-0 on Friday.
Ronaldo, 37, is serving the ban for slapping the phone out of a fan’s hand while walking into the dressing room after a Premier League game with Manchester United. The five-time world footballer terminated his contract with United shortly afterwards. According to the FIFA Statutes, a ban usually passes to the new club.
Ronaldo was unveiled at Al-Nassr on Tuesday, where he had signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. According to media reports, including advertising revenue, he should get the equivalent of around 200 million euros per season.