Cristiano Ronaldo wields sword and wears traditional dress as he joins in Saudi Founding Day celebrations with Al-Nassr
Posted Thursday, February 23, 2023 by Thesun.co.uk
CRISTIANO RONALDO wielded a sword as part of Saudi Founding Day celebrations.
And the iconic forward wore the nation's traditional dress at his new stadium.
Cristiano Ronaldo wielded a sword as part of Saudi Founding Day celebrationsCredit: Reuters
Ronaldo, 38, joined Saudi side Al-Nassr following his Manchester United axing for his explosive Piers Morgan interview.
Now after accepting the eye-watering £173million-a-year contract in the Middle East, Ronaldo is immersing himself in his new culture.
February 22 marks the date Imam Muhammad bin Saud helped found Saudi Arabia in 1727.
Last year, King Salman announced the day as a national holiday in a royal decree.
And part of the four-day celebrations included events at Al-Nassr's Mrsool Park stadium.
Ronaldo joined team-mates in drinking an Arabic beverage and decked out in a thawb - the smart full-length white cotton robe.
The Portugal superstar - who has moved into his luxury Riyadh mansion - was all smiles and even did his signature wink as he waved the sword.
He wrote on Twitter: "Happy founding day to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
"Was a special experience to participate in the celebration at
@AlNassrFC!"
Plenty of supporters flooded the replies with comments of adoration for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr just days after seeing long-term rival Lionel Messi lift the World Cup as Argentina captain in neighbouring Qatar.
The PSG forward was draped in a traditional Arab Bisht - given to him by Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as a sign of respect.
Ronaldo has played five times for his new club, immediately claiming the captaincy.
He scored his first goal in a 2-2 draw with Al-Fateh but truly announced his arrival with all four in the 4-0 thrashing of Al-Wehda.
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