Month: January 2023

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had several suitors from the north American league.

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly came ‘very close’ to joining Sporting Kansas City before deciding to join Al Nassr.

The Saudi side confirmed Ronaldo’s record-breaking transfer on Friday, signing him on a two-year contract.

The move ends CR7’s spell at the top level as he edges closer to retiring from football. A number of elite players have spent the last years of their careers in MLS, and Ronaldo was also close to doing the same.

Most observers expected LA Galaxy or Inter Miami to make an offer for Ronaldo, who became a free agent after leaving Manchester United last month.

But another American side had seemingly taken the lead in the race to sign Ronaldo.

According to ESPN journalist Taylor Twellman, Sporting Kansas City came up with a convincing offer to sign the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Jamie Carragher has highlighted the different situations of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo toward the end of their legendary careers.

Messi finally fulfilled his dream of winning the World Cup as he lifted the trophy in Doha. Ronaldo, on the other hand, missed out on his last chance to claim the title after leaving Manchester United mid-season.

On Friday, the 37-year-old joined Al Nassr as a free agent to continue his career at the Saudi side.

Carragher, who has been a vocal critic of Ronaldo since he arrived at United in 2021, has criticized the former Real Madrid star for his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

“In some ways it’s a sad end for him,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.

“Two of the greatest players of all time in Messi and Ronaldo. That debate has always been there.

“Ronaldo has finished his career with an interview with Piers Morgan