Ronaldo ‘fooled' by Saudi contract, suspects Rivaldo

Brazilian legend Rivaldo suspects that Cristiano Ronaldo was "fooled by the big contract in Saudi Arabia" and advises the Portuguese megastar to "return to Real Madrid to finish his career".

Ronaldo, who joined the Saudi club Al Nassr on a deal until 2025 after leaving Manchester United last year, with a contract that has been estimated by media to be worth more than approx. USD 220 million.  

Despite the riches and reception Ronaldo had received in his new club, Rivaldo further said that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner "may be going through a phase of some disappointment and even reflection" after his first season with Al Nassr, who occupy second place in the Saudi Pro League behind Al-Ittihad.   

"I understand that sometimes the players are fooled by the big contract they sign in Saudi Arabia," said Rivaldo, as quoted by Diario AS.

"But then life there is further away and your football may not always be as easy as expected.

"So, maybe the money he is receiving makes up for the not-so-happy life he is living at the moment," said Rivaldo, a member of the 2002 World Cup-winning team.  

Ronaldo arrived in Saudi Arabia with a vast collection of club honours after a glittering spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid from 2009-18 where he won two LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, four Champions League titles and three Club World Cups. He also claimed two Serie A titles and a Copa Italia trophy in three years at Juventus before rejoining United with whom he had bagged three Premier League crowns, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.

The former Barcelona No. 10 reckons that if Ronaldo returns to Real Madrid to finish his career, it "would be good for him and for football".