David de Gea couldn't resist a cheeky response to a social media post from Cristiano Ronaldo confirming that he has signed a lucrative new two-year contract with Al-Nassr.
The multi-time Ballon d'Or winner moved out to Saudi Arabia in December 2022 after his contract with Manchester United was terminated early by mutual agreement. And a host of other high-profile stars have subsequently followed the former Real Madrid and Juventus striker to the Saudi Pro League since.
Ronaldo, 40, penned a two-and-a-half year deal initially with Al-Nassr, who finished third in the league last season. But following talk that the Portugal international could quit the club this summer at the end of said deal, Ronaldo has now ended all speculation over his long-term future.
Announcing the news of his new contract in a social media post. “A new chapter begins,” he wrote, before adding: “Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.”
And De Gea - Ronaldo's former United team-mate - mischievously hinted at the huge salary said deal will bring in response, saying: “And playing for free,” complete with a laughing face and the eyes emoji.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal close to THIRD deal, Man Utd advance in Mbeumo talks, Liverpool's next target
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo 'to sign new contract' after awkward transfer tease falls flat
Marca claim that Ronaldo's new deal will earn him a staggering €183million (£154m) annually, underling the financial power that clubs in the Saudi Pro Leaguepossess.
The news comes just weeks after Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, teased that Ronaldo could be moving elsewhere in order to participate in the Club World Cup, though such talk was subsequently downplayed.
Ronaldo has scored 99 times in just 111 games since joining Al-Nassr, but his fine individual form has not been enough to help the club land silverware.
Al-Nassr finished 13 points behind the league winners, Al-Hilal, last season and announced that Stefano Pioli would be leaving his role as head coach last week. The former AC Milan boss lasted less than 12 months in his post.
A club statement read: “Mr Pioli and his staff are no more the acting coaching staff of the first team. We would like to thank Mr Pioli and his staff for their dedicated work during the past season.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
You may also like
Jake Paul details exactly how he plans to knock out Julio Cesar Chavez Jr
Pregnant mum jumps from second floor window in house fire with first baby in arms
Mumbai News: Chandivali's Disputed Civic Structure Found Illegal As Fire NOC, IOD And CC Not Secured Before Construction
'We should have had a choice': Brain-dead pregnant woman in Georgia taken off life support after premature birth; baby weighs 1 Kg
EuroMillions winner who won £151m and the dark side of life-changing fortune