Cristiano Ronaldo officially signs for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr

Ronaldo completed an exit from Premier League side Manchester United "by mutual agreement" in November after he blasted manager Erik ten Hag and other aspects of the club during an interview with Piers Morgan that was made public during the top-flight's World Cup pause. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner who reportedly first wanted to leave United back in the summer presumably received little or no interest from clubs still playing in this season's Champions League competition ahead of Friday's development. 

"No other serious suitors emerged and this week has seen the Portugal international iron out the final terms of a contract that will see him wield significant sway at the Saudi club," CBS Sports' James Benge and Ben Jacobs noted. 

It was reported back in July that Ronaldo rejected an offer from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club allegedly willing to pay him €275 million in wages for two seasons after that team made a €30 million bid to sign the 37-year-old from United. While Ronaldo had received permission to train at Real Madrid's Valdebebas ground after Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup this month, it was later said there was "no chance" he could return to the Spanish giants. 

"I'm thrilled for a new experience in a different league and a different country, the vision that Al-Nassr has is very inspiring," Ronaldo said in a statement. "I'm very excited to join my teammates, and to help the team to achieve more success."

Ronaldo is expected to hold significant authority regarding club decision-making and will likely be used as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia's 2030 World Cup bid.