Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo holds a sword as part of Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day celebrations.
The Portuguese striker wore traditional Saudi Arabian clothes at his new stadium.
Ronaldo, 38, has joined Saudi Arabian football team Al-Nassr after being criticized by Manchester United for his interview with Piers Morgan.
After accepting an attractive contract worth 173 million pounds a year in the Middle East, Ronaldo is immersing himself in a new culture.
February 22 marks the day Imam Muhammad bin Saud helped found Saudi Arabia in 1727.
Last year, King Salman declared the day a national holiday in a royal decree.
And part of the four-day celebrations includes events at Al-Nassr’s Mrsool Park stadium.
Player Ronaldo and his teammates drank an Arabic drink and wore a thin white robe – a long cotton robe.
The Portuguese superstar – who has moved to a luxury mansion in Riyadh – was always smiling and even winked as he brandished his sword.
He wrote on Twitter: “Happy founding day of Saudi Arabia.”
“What a special experience being part of the celebration at @AlNassrFC!”.
Many supporters offered replies and comments admiring the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr just days after watching longtime rival Lionel Messi lift the World Cup as captain of Argentina in neighboring Qatar.
The PSG striker wore a traditional Arabic Bisht – given to him by Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as a sign of respect.
Player Ronaldo, who played five times for his new club, was immediately given the captain’s armband.
He scored his first goal in the 2-2 draw with Al-Fateh but really announced his return in the 4-0 win over Al-Wehda.
- National Day is now a national holiday in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Reuters.
