Amnesty International urges Ronaldo to speak out on human rights in Saudi Arabia | Cristiano Ronaldo

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s praise of Saudi Arabia – calling his new hosts an “amazing country” – upon his arrival at his new club Al Nasr has prompted Amnesty International to call on the former Manchester United player to use his fame to highlight the kingdom’s “appalling” human rights. register.

The 37-year-old arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday after signing a deal worth £177m per year until 2025, making him the highest-paid player in history.

Ronaldo said: “I had many opportunities… Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club not only to develop football but to other parts of this wonderful country. I want to give a different vision to this club and country. That’s why I I took this opportunity.”

Cristiano Ronaldo receives a warm welcome from Al-Nasr fans – video…

Dana Ahmed, Middle East researcher at Amnesty International, said: “Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing of victory fits into a broader pattern of sportswashing in Saudi Arabia. It is very likely that the Saudi authorities are promoting Ronaldo’s presence in the country as a way to distract from the country’s appalling human rights record. .

Instead of offering uncritical praise to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo should use his large public platform to draw attention to human rights issues in the country. Saudi Arabia regularly executes people for murder, rape and drug trafficking.

“Cristiano Ronaldo should not allow his fame and celebrity status to become a tool for Saudi sporting laundering – he should use his time in victory to speak out about the country’s myriad human rights issues.”

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