Global Football megastar Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly turned down a $9.5 million a year deal to promote Saudi Arabian tourism because of the country’s “appalling human rights record”, claims a news report.
According to the UK’s The Telegraph Sport, Saudi Arabia’s tourism authority wanted to use Ronaldo in a series of ads targeting Europeans that showed the kingdom as the ideal place to holiday.
It’s been reported that Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi was also offered the gig. However, the claim has not been confirmed by his management.
“Ronaldo rejecting the offer has delivered a devastating blow to Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s effort to rehabilitate Saudi Arabia’s global image and ultimately his de-factor…