By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw

Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Manchester United in controversial circumstances, has signed a three-year deal with the Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr, reportedly worth £177 million per year.

This is believed to be the biggest football salary in the history of the beautiful game.

The 37-year-old, who became the first player to score in five different World Cups in Qatar last year, stated that:

I am eager to experience a new football league in a different country.”

And added that:

This is the right moment to share my experience in Asia.”

His new Club, who are nine-time champions of the Saudi Pro League, described his signing as “history in the making.”

It will be interesting to see how he gets on in his new position at a salary which can only be described as obscene in the current global financial crisis!

Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.