Former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo had hopes of returning to Real Madrid before committing to Al Nassr.

The 37-year-old Portugal forward, who'd been a free agent since mutually terminating his contract at Manchester United last month, has agreed a £175million-a-year deal.

Ronaldo trained at Real's Valdebebas base to keep his fitness levels up after Portugal's exit to Morocco in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Marca says Ronaldo was hoping Real would want to sign him for a second time.

Ronaldo is a Bernabeu legend, having scored 450 goals in 438 matches for Real over nine seasons to help them to four Champions League triumphs.

But there was no interest in re-signing him from Real, leading him to complete his move to Al Nassr.