Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘parted ways with his long-serving agent Jorge Mendes after a disagreement during his interview with Piers Morgan’ – leading to his exit from Manchester United.
The 37-year-old Portugal forward was officially announced as an Al Nassr player on Tuesday following his arrival in Saudi Arabia, after he agreed a £175million-a-year contract.
It follows a turbulent few weeks in which Ronaldo accused United of ‘betraying’ him and took aim at manager Erik ten Hag, who sacked him earlier in the season, in an interview with TalkTV.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-term relationship with agent Jorge Mendes ‘ended due to disagreements over his interview with Piers Morgan’
Ronaldo and Mendes reportedly lost out on the interview, with the agent not involved in ending his £175million-a-year deal with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr
Ronaldo left Manchester United after accusing the club of ‘betraying’ him in his interview with Piers Morgan in November
According to Portuguese news outlet Publico, Mendes refused to give Ronaldo an interview and then learned that any hope of finding the star at another top European club had vanished.
The two-decade relationship between Ronaldo and Mendes has soured for some time and his personal manager Ricky Regufe negotiated his move to Al Nassr.
Publico said Ronaldo expects offers to emerge from elite European clubs if he performs at the World Cup in Qatar, regardless of the acrimonious nature of his exit at Old Trafford.
Mendes thinks differently, knowing that only Al Nassr can match Ronaldo’s salary demands. In fact, he already got the ball rolling by sounding the Saudi club’s interest.
Ronaldo (right) has been represented by Mendes (left) since he joined Man United in 2003 during his first spell at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson (centre) was at the helm of the club
Ronaldo’s Portugal team-mates were reportedly uncomfortable with the presence of his personal manager Ricky Regufe (centre) at the Qatar World Cup
Regufe – second left – has been close with the legendary forward since 2018
Regufe started out as a marketing chief for Nike before befriending Ronaldo
When Ronaldo collapsed at the World Cup – Portugal coach Fernando Santos dropped him for the knockout rounds – this theory was confirmed.
Publico said Ronaldo’s behavior was a ‘constant source of irritation’ for the Portugal team during the tournament, with his teammates and the federation ‘silencing almost everyone.’
At this point, Refuge – who had been embedded in Portugal’s camp during the World Cup, something that raised eyebrows from the rest of the squad – stepped in to arrange his move to the Middle East.
Friction quickly arose between Refuge and Mendes’ company Gestifute. Now Polaris Sport, owned by Gestifute, is no longer responsible for the rights to Ronaldo’s image.
The 37-year-old forward was pictured in the Al-Nassr kit during his presentation in Riyadh
Ronaldo even had time to take a selfie with the presenters on stage at his unveiling
In his presentation on Tuesday, Ronaldo said he had been offered ‘many opportunities in Europe and many clubs in Brazil, Australia, USA and even Portugal’ – but he had already given his word to Al Nassr.
Ronaldo was introduced as the ‘best footballer in the world’ in front of 25,000 raucous supporters at Mrsool Park in Riyadh, against a backdrop of fireworks, flares and strobe lighting.
Ronaldo has been criticized for stopping the game in Europe and taking Saudi money.
But he said: ‘This contract is strange but I am a unique player, so for me it is normal. I’m not really worried about what people say. I’m really happy to be here. I am so proud to make a big decision in my life. My work in Europe is over. I won everything. I played for the most important club.
Ronaldo has confirmed that he turned down an offer to play football in Australia and the USA
But it could be different for Ronaldo, who says he has offers from around the world
‘For me now, it’s a new challenge in Asia. I am grateful that Al Nassr gave me this opportunity to develop not only football, but also for the young generation, the generation of women. I want to change the mentality of the new generation.’
Ronaldo met his new team-mates – currently second in the Saudi Pro League – before swapping his three-piece suit for a yellow home kit and kicking balls into the packed stands.
To huge cheers, he told supporters: ‘It’s a pleasure to be here. I will give my best for this club. My goal is to make people happy, enjoy myself and help the country become better and better.’
Ronaldo will help Saudi in their bid to host the 2030 World Cup, but insists he is there to play football.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Man United was terminated by mutual consent in December
This move comes just days after Ronaldo’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV
He added: ‘I’ve broken some records there (Europe) and I want to break some records here. I come here to win, play and have fun and be part of the country’s success and the country’s culture.
‘I know the league is very competitive. I have seen many games. I’m ready to enjoy it, smile and still play football.’
There was an embarrassing moment for Ronaldo, however, when Ronaldo said he was happy playing in South Africa rather than Saudi Arabia.
Video footage released on social media shows Ronaldo saying: ‘Football is different, so for me going to South Africa is not the end of my career. This is why I want to change, and to be honest, I’m not really worried about what people say.’
