WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo calls Saudi Arabia as South Africa during Al Nassr unveiling

Cristiano Ronaldo said he turned down numerous other offers from Europe and North America before being formally introduced by Al Nassr as the Saudi Arabian club’s superstar new acquisition on Tuesday.

According to rumors, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus striker has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to play in the Saudi Pro League, making him the highest-paid player in history with a salary of $75 million, annually.

The Portugal national team skipper mistakenly called Saudi Arabia as South Africa during his presentation as an Al-Nassr player on Tuesday, January 3. While speaking to the press, he referred Saudi Arabia as South Africa and the netizens were quick to spot this. Fans, who were closely listening to the ceremony on Youtube, heard that and shared it on Twitter.

Watch it here:

Definitely said South Africa 🤣🤣🤣🤣 #Ronaldo #CR7 pic.twitter.com/l3ib9sJoxE

— Alex Blanchard (@AlBlanch) January 3, 2023

I want him to enjoy playing with Al Nassr and winning with Al Nassr: Rudi Garcia

“I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe. This is a new challenge,” said the 37-year-old.

Before joining Al Nassr, the striker said he declined offers from other teams across the globe.

“Nobody knows this, but I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia, America, and Portugal; many clubs tried to sign me. I gave my word to this club,” Ronaldo said. “I want to give a different vision of this country and football. This is why I took this opportunity.”

Ronaldo arrived by flight at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Monday, where he and his family were welcomed by supporters before Tuesday’s medical examinations at Mrsool Park.

The extremely ambitious transfer is anticipated to bring Al Nassr, who is little recognized outside of Asia, to international attention and to Saudi football ahead of a prospective bid to host the World Cup in 2030.

The signing of Ronaldo, according to Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia, was a big milestone for the Saudi Arabian league.

“In my life, I’ve seen that great players like Cristiano are the simplest to manage because there’s nothing I can teach him. Like he said, we are here to win, nothing else. I want him to enjoy playing with Al Nassr and winning with Al Nassr, just that,” Garcia stated to reporters.