Ronaldo snubbed unlikely Premier League offer before Al Nassr move

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:09 CDT
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo completed a move to Al Nassr last month and is settling into life in Saudi Arabia but things could well have been different for him.

The Portuguese forward left Manchester United in November after his contract was terminated following his unsanctioned interview with Piers Morgan where he was critical of the club.

There was little interest in him from European sides despite the forward constantly urging his agent Jorge Mendes to find him a top-level move.

READ: Ronaldo OBSESSED with Messi's salary before Real Madrid fall-out

However, there was interest from one Premier League side and it wasn’t one of the usual suspects following his departure from Manchester United.

Ronaldo was approached by Wolves

Speaking at his Al Nassr presentation, Ronaldo was adamant he didn’t want a European move: “I am so proud at making this big decision in my life and my career. My work in Europe is done. I played for all the most important clubs.”

“I had many opportunities in Europe. Many clubs in Brazil, Australia, in the US and even Portugal. For me this is a good chance with my knowledge and experience to grow very important clubs.”

READ: Failed Chelsea move caused Ronaldo to leave agent Mendes

The Premier League approach came from Wolves, where former manager Bruno Lage is an admirer of the player and he would’ve added to the Midlands’ club’s Portuguese contingent.

"He’s a machine," said the former Wolves boss about Ronaldo in the past. "He just wants to score and score and score. He lives for that. He’s a massive player and every team in the world would want him.

"It’s football and everyone has an opinion. But if United aren’t happy with him then I have a place for him here, but I know they are happy with him. He started playing at the top level very young and he’s just continued at the same level."

Ronaldo is now making his way in the Saudi Pro League having signed a two-year deal on a mouth-watering €200 million-a-year deal.