CRISTIANO RONALDO reportedly had just ONE other transfer offer before joining Al-Nassr.
And it’s reckoned the race was neck-and-neck before Ronnie plumped for a mega-money move to the Middle East.
Ronaldo, 37, completed a shock move to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Nassr on Friday, one month after having his Manchester United contract terminated.
The Portugal icon will become the highest-paid sportsperson ever with incredible wages worth £173million a year.
But The Blue Testament claims Ronaldo could have ended up at a different club instead.
It was widely reported that he was holding out for offers from Champions League clubs, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich linked.
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However, the only other offer that came Ronaldo’s way was from MLS outfit Sporting Kansas City.
It’s believed the American side held numerous meetings with Ronnie’s people, who were impressed by KC’s sporting vision and financial package.
Indeed, the US team were at one stage “very close” to sealing Ronaldo’s signature, with their offer almost equal to the one from Al-Nassr.
But after further deliberation, Ronnie instead opted to move to Saudi Arabia.
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The transfer has come as a shock to footy fans, as Ronaldo had made it clear he wanted to see out his career at the highest level.
Ronaldo’s latest fortunes are in stark contrast with those of rival Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
And all eyes will be on Ronnie when he likely makes his Al-Nassr debut against league leaders Al-Shabab on January 14.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk