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Cristiano Ronaldo Arrives in Riyadh to Join Al-Nasr

In this photo provided by Al Nasr Club, Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Riyadh International Airport, late Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. (Courtesy of Al-Nasr Club via AP)
In this photo provided by Al Nasr Club, Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Riyadh International Airport, late Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. (Courtesy of Al-Nasr Club via AP)
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Cristiano Ronaldo Arrives in Riyadh to Join Al-Nasr

In this photo provided by Al Nasr Club, Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Riyadh International Airport, late Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. (Courtesy of Al-Nasr Club via AP)
In this photo provided by Al Nasr Club, Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Riyadh International Airport, late Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. (Courtesy of Al-Nasr Club via AP)

World football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Riyadh on Monday night to join Al-Nasr, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

He was received by President of the club's Board of Directors Mesli Al-Muammar, his deputy Abdullah Al-Omrani, and CEO Ahmed Al-Ghamdi and a group of children, affiliated to the club's fans.

Ronaldo’s presentation will be held at Al-Nasr's stadium on Tuesday.

Fans have clamored for tickets for the event. Priced at 15 riyals, the proceeds will go to the Ehsan charity platform.

Al-Nasr announced the signing of one of the world’s biggest sports stars on social media on Friday.

Ronaldo has won five European Champions Leagues with Real Madrid and Manchester United.

“The signing of a player the size of Cristiano Ronaldo is extraordinary, and contributes to the development of Saudi football,” said Al-Nasr's French coach Rudy Garcia, who has coached Lyon and Roma.

“We are happy with his arrival. The first goal is to work so he can adapt to our team, to enjoy playing for Al-Nasr, and to entertain the fans.”

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Ricciardo Knew He Was Out before Singapore, Says RB Boss

RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)
RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)
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Ricciardo Knew He Was Out before Singapore, Says RB Boss

RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)
RB's French principal Laurent Mekies attends a press conference after the practice session for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on October 18, 2024. (AFP)

Daniel Ricciardo and his RB Formula One team knew before last month's Singapore Grand Prix that he was leaving and having to pretend otherwise was "not ideal", principal Laurent Mekies said on Friday.

The Australian spent much of that weekend awkwardly side-stepping questions about his unconfirmed departure and replacement by New Zealander Liam Lawson for this weekend's US Grand Prix.

Asked by reporters in Austin why 35-year-old Ricciardo had not been given a proper chance to say goodbye, Mekies said the eight-times race-winner's departure could have been handled better.

"It was frustrating, and yes, you're right, it was not ideal to go through the weekend in that way, first of all for him, on a professional and on a personal matter, and for the whole team around him," said the Frenchman.

"Yes, Daniel was aware. We did have discussions before the weekend. For many different reasons, we chose together to go into that weekend without announcing. And from that point onwards, we had to deal with it.

"It's a decision that, in hindsight, we may or may not do differently," he added.

Ricciardo's departure was announced on Sept. 26, four days after the Singapore race.

The Australian this week appeared in a photo on the Instagram account of friend and former motocross racer Adam Cianciarulo wearing a cap with the words "I'm retired. Having a good time IS my job" on it.

Mekies said the team and fans had still found a way to convey their affection for Ricciardo, one of Formula One's most popular drivers, who is famed for his light-hearted approach and smiling personality.

"I can hopefully say that the amount of love and empathy we felt through that weekend was something outstanding and something that shows that he's bigger than an F1 driver, he's bigger than F1," he added.