Cristiano Ronaldo was informed "he's welcome anytime" by South Africa's tourism board after he embarrassed himself during his Al-Nassr unveiling.
The 37-year-old Ronaldo has committed to the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr through June 2025. He will reportedly earn £177 million year, making him the best paid footballer in the world. His image rights and other business deals are covered by that agreement.
When Ronaldo was introduced as an Al-Nassr player on Tuesday, he made the unfortunate error of insisting that "going to South Africa is not the end of my career." Several people, including South Africa's tourism board, have made fun of the Portuguese actor over the statement.
"Patiently waiting for Ronaldo to arrive like... [a cheeky emoji] You're very welcome in South Africa anytime," read the tweet from the organization's Twitter account, which has more than 38,000 followers.
Ronaldo's slip-up was probably minor, but it didn't do much to refute the idea that he went to Al-Nassr to get rich quick. To put his new salary into perspective, consider that at Manchester United, he earned £26 million annually, making him the highest paid player in the Premier League.
After a dramatic interview with TalkTV host Piers Morgan in which he criticized the club's owners, manager Erik ten Hag, and a number of ex-employees, the Portugal international left Old Trafford. In November, his United contract was ended with both parties' consent.
Last summer, an undisclosed Saudi Arabian team made an effort to sign Ronaldo.
Due to the lack of interest from elite European clubs and the enormous pay he could make playing in the Saudi Pro League, a move to the Middle East appeared possible after his United departure.
At his unveiling, Ronaldo claimed that his transfer to Al-Nassr was not simply about the money.
He stated to reporters: "Making this significant decision for my life and profession makes me feel so proud.
My work here in Europe is finished.
I participated in all the top teams.
In Europe, I had lots of opportunities.
numerous clubs in Portugal, Brazil, Australia, the US, and other countries.
"With my knowledge and experience, I see this as an excellent opportunity to expand very significant clubs. I wish to support a variety of groups including the women's squad at Al-Nassr. I wish to influence many people's viewpoints."