Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said his "work is done" in Europe, adding that he is relishing new challenges both on and off the pitch after being unveiled as a player of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
Ronaldo, who was a free agent following his acrimonious split with Manchester United in November, joined Al Nassr last week on a two-and-a-half year deal estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros (NZ $337.9 million).
He was greeted by a sea of yellow and blue at Al Nassr's home ground Mrsool Park, where thousands of fans turned up to witness his unveiling.
After addressing a news conference, Ronaldo was seen meeting with his new teammates in the dressing room. He then made his way onto the pitch, fully kitted out in the club's colours.
The gathered fans loudly chanted his name as he walked around the 25,000-seater stadium signing footballs and firing them into the stands, before he was joined by his family.
"Me and my family, we want to say thank you to all of you for this support and your welcome," an emotional Ronaldo said after being handed a microphone. "We're going to give our best. Thank you everybody.
"I'm so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done," Ronaldo told a news conference.
"I won everything, I played in the most important clubs in Europe and now it's a new challenge in Asia."
Ronaldo added that he had several potential suitors from all around the world following his exit from United, but chose to sign with Al Nassr because the move provided him a chance to make an impact off the pitch.
"I'm grateful to Al Nassr, for giving me this opportunity to develop football for the younger generation, for the women as well. For me, it's a challenge, but I also feel very happy and proud," Ronaldo said.
"I can say now, I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia and the United States. Even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me, but I gave my word to this club, to develop not only football but also the other parts of this country."
The 37-year-old batted away questions about criticism of his move to Saudi Arabia, saying, "I'm a unique player, for me it's normal."
Ronaldo's move has been the subject of countless rumours, with some reports saying his contract includes a clause which will allow him to join Newcastle United on loan, while others have alleged that the previous holder of the No.7 shirt was cut loose from the squad for refusing to swap shirt numbers.
Reuters
