Cristiano Ronaldo’s farewell could take him from World Cup to obscurity

Cristiano Ronaldo was let go by Manchester United last month. He was benched for the round-of-16 match against Switzerland. Ronaldo is considering a contract offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. Al Nasser is in the lead for his signature. Ronaldo has more than 500 million Instagram followers. His global appeal and marketing power are not enough for major European clubs to justify the salary and special treatment demanded by a wilting 37-year-old. The switch would make Ronaldo the highest paid athlete in world. It would also erase him from the top level of the game. "They continue to repeat that nobody wants Cristiano. How they don't want a player who scored 32 goals last year?" he said on British television.

Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Real Madrid. He is considering his future career options. Ronaldo sees football as a business. He will choose a club befitting his status as one of the best players in history.