Saudi Arabia will change laws for Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez to stay together
The Saudi Arabian government has indicated that they will “turn a blind eye” to Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner’s cohabit now that the famous football player has secured a contract to play there.
For weeks, rumours had circulated that Ronaldo, at age 37, had signed with the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. The transfer was officially revealed just last week.
On Tuesday, January 3, Ronaldo was introduced as “the world’s best footballer” to an audience of 25,000 at Mrsool Park in Riyad, when he was officially debuted as the club’s newest player.
Even though Portugal has strong restrictions against unmarried couples cohabiting, it has been claimed that the Portuguese striker would be permitted to reside with his partner Georgina Rodriguez.
The local authorities will allegedly “turn a blind eye” to Ronaldo and Rodriguez’s cohabitation, as reported by the EFE news agency (a Spanish international news organisation).
“Nowadays Saudi authorities no longer interfere in this matter – for expatriates – even though the law prohibits cohabitation without marriage.” the unnamed lawyer told EFE.
However, “these laws are employed when there is an issue or a crime.”
Even though the law bans cohabitation without marriage, another lawyer said, “Nowadays Saudi authorities no longer meddle in this area – for expats.”
Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been together since 2016. Bella, Alana, Cristiano Jr., Eva, and Mateo will also be making the journey with their parents.
Ronaldo expressed his pleasure and gratitude for joining Al Nassr shortly after signing with the team.
“I’m grateful Al Nassr have given me this opportunity, not only for the football but for the young generation and the female generation.
“I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia, the US and even Portugal many clubs tried to sign me, but I gave my word to this club. This is a good chance to grow many important points here with my knowledge and my experience.”
Lots of teams from all over the world, including Europe, Brazil, Australia, the United States, and even Portugal, were interested in signing me, but I had already committed to this one. This is a great opportunity for me to contribute my expertise in a number of key areas.
Continuing, Ronaldo said, “I’m a unique player. I beat all the records there. I want to beat a few records here. This contract is unique but I’m a unique player, so for me it’s normal.
“Many people speak and give their opinions but they really do know nothing about football. It’s not the end of my career to come to Saudi Arabia. I really don’t worry about what the people say.”