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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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Neymar Available for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal Next Week after Year-Long Recovery from ACL Injury

Tennis - 6 Kings Slam - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - October 16, 2024 Al-Hilal's Neymar is pictured at the quarter final match between Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Denmark's Holger Rune. (Reuters)
Tennis - 6 Kings Slam - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - October 16, 2024 Al-Hilal's Neymar is pictured at the quarter final match between Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Denmark's Holger Rune. (Reuters)
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Neymar Available for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal Next Week after Year-Long Recovery from ACL Injury

Tennis - 6 Kings Slam - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - October 16, 2024 Al-Hilal's Neymar is pictured at the quarter final match between Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Denmark's Holger Rune. (Reuters)
Tennis - 6 Kings Slam - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - October 16, 2024 Al-Hilal's Neymar is pictured at the quarter final match between Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Denmark's Holger Rune. (Reuters)

Neymar is available to play for Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal in an AFC Champions League Elite match next week after one year on the sidelines due to injury.

His marketing company NR Sports said in a statement on Saturday that the Brazilian's love for soccer and his hope to play in the next World Cup were bringing him back to action.

“Though there's no final decision for his return, the number 10 will be able to play on Monday to carry on with his remarkable trajectory,” the statement said, in a reference to Al-Hilal's match against Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates.

Neymar signed for the Riyadh team in August 2023 and played just five games when he underwent surgery after rupturing his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while on international duty in October last year.

“These were days of pain, anguish, and a lot of longing for soccer, which were overcome with the help of family and friends, always present for our number 10. And all the fans around the world who gave him all support in social media networks,” the statement added. “The wait is over.”

A social media posting also published on Saturday showed the 32-year-old speaking about his recovery and displayed footage of his efforts to come back.

“Every time I get injured, I come back. But I don't come back halfway,” a tearful Neymar said in a video.

Neymar returned to training in July, but in September his club coach Jorge Jesus dampened expectations of an immediate comeback. The Portuguese coach did not confirm Neymar will play on Monday.

Neymar, whose two-year contract ends next August, is eligible to appear in AFC Champions League Elite matches as the continental competition has no restrictions on the number of foreign players allowed. That is not the case in the Saudi Pro League, which will see him back only in January.

If fit, Neymar could return to Brazil's national team in two rounds of South American World Cup qualifying scheduled for November.