I want to end my career with dignity, not somewhere in the US, Qatar or Dubai, Ronaldo said in a statement at the time

The Saudi Arabian outfit have officially confirmed the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo in the last few hours, with both parties making their first statements. However, a statement from the Portuguese star in 2015 is now circulating around the world in which he says he wants to end his career with dignity, not somewhere in the US, Qatar or Dubai.

Ronaldo’s seven-year-old statement is now circulating the football world. Needless to say, now the Portuguese legend will probably have to rethink it.

Ronaldo had to accept an engagement with nine-time Saudi Arabian champions Al-Nassr after no proper offer from a club playing in the Champions League landed on his desk.

“Making history. It’s a signing that not only inspires our club to achieve even greater success, but also inspires our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls, to be the best version of themselves. Welcome Cristiano to his new home in Al-Nassr,” reads the club’s official statement attached above.

According to respected and trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo has signed a contract with the club until 2025.

However, whether he will end his football career with this club is a really big question at the moment.

Ronaldo was in talks with several other clubs before leaving Manchester United, including Sporting Lisbon. However, even they refused his services at the time, one of the main factors being, of course, his high salary.

Ronaldo in 2015

However, the 37-year-old star footballer has always maintained that he would never want to end his rich and successful career outside of Europe.

“I want to end my career with dignity and not play somewhere in the United States, Qatar or Dubai. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong to play in those leagues, but I don’t see myself there,” Ronaldo said in an interview on The Jonathan Ross Show at the time.

And although this is of course a statement that is several years old, and Ronaldo could not have known where his future steps would take him and the situation he would find himself in, his words are now spreading through the internet at the speed of light.

Ronaldo also noted in that interview that he hopes to finish his career at the highest level and a move to these countries is not something he would seek.

His statements then seemed to refer to other big stars who have ended their careers outside of Europe’s top leagues. These include the likes of Didier Drogba, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa. And, for that matter, Xavi.

But now he is joining Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, with whom he will be looking to win more success and trophies. Ronaldo, it should be noted, will not be the only well-known personality in this squad.

Previously, Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar and former Bayern midfielder Luiz Gustavo have already joined Al-Nassr.

Sources: Al-Nassr, The Guardian, Transfermarkt