Ferdinand: 'Going to Saudi is not a sad ending for Ronaldo'
"Because of going to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo's decision to be criticized is sad," Ferdinand said on the Vibe with FIVE podcast on January 1. "But let him go and enjoy it. It's a new adventure where Ronaldo and his family experience a new culture."
On December 30, Ronaldo signed a two-year contract with Al Nassr. In Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese striker will receive the highest salary in the world $ 75 million per year. Total income can be up to 200 million USD if you include sponsorships and advertising.
On social networks, many fans mocked that Ronaldo was "out of time" and joined Al Nassr just for money. Former defender Gary Neville regretted that Ronaldo did not receive any offers to continue playing in Europe, while Jamie Carragher commented: "This is a sad end for Ronaldo, isn't it? He ended his career with a life. Interview with Piers Morgan, and Lionel Messi won the World Cup."
Ferdinand disagrees with these views, and cites many other players - including David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard - who did not receive criticism when coming to MLS to play at the end of their careers. Beckham played for LA Galaxy in the period 2007-2012, Lampard played for New York City FC 2015-2016, Rooney played for D.C. United 2018-2019, and Gerrard devoted himself to LA Galaxy 2015-2016 in the final chapter of his career.
"Every country in the world has problems, and the US has less problems than Saudi Arabia, doesn't it? All these players have no problem coming to the US. But I have not seen such statements about it. Ronaldo's deal to Saudi Arabia," asked Ferdinand, emphasizing that Ronaldo deserves a move to a less competitive league to end his illustrious career, like many other names.
According to the 44-year-old former midfielder, the only sad thing is the way Ronaldo left Man Utd. This season, the 37-year-old striker missed the pre-season, repeatedly contradicted Erik ten Hag and publicly criticized the Dutch and Man Utd coach in a 90-minute chat on Piers Morgan Uncensored. Therefore, the two sides decided to terminate the contract half a year early.
"In the next few years, I think maybe Ronaldo will look back and think he can handle the story differently," added Ferdinand. "But moving to Saudi Arabia is not a sad end to Ronaldo's career? I don't understand how people say that."
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr has a term of seven years, until 2030. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will have two and a half years at Al-Nassr as a player. After that, he will serve as Saudi Arabia's football ambassador along with Egypt and Greece to realize his ambition to co-host the 2030 World Cup.
