David de Gea delivers perfect four-word response to Cristiano Ronaldo announcement

Cristiano Ronaldo has ended all speculation over his future by signing a new contract with Al-Nassr – and an old team-mate responded to the news with a mischievous social media post

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 targetREAD 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 League possess.

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.