UD Almería have announced a major development in its ownership structure, confirming new investment from one of football’s most recognisable figures.In a statement on Thursday, the club said: “Cristiano Ronaldo invests in UD Almería as part of the club ownership consortium led by SMC Group.”In addition to that, the announcement outlines the scale of the investment and the structure through which it has been made.The club said, “He acquires 25% of the club through the subsidiary CR7 Sports.”The statement continues by detailing the mechanism behind the transaction and its broader significance.The club said, “Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25% share of UD Almería through CR7 Sports Investments, a subsidiary of CR7 S.A.“This marks a significant step in the continued expansion of both the club and the Portuguese businessman’s investment portfolio.”The move is positioned within the club’s wider strategic direction under its current leadership.The club said, “This agreement is part of the international expansion of the club being driven by President Mohamed Al Khereiji through his business holding SMC Group.”Club president reactsMeanwhile, Club president Mohamed Al Khereiji addressed the development directly, welcoming the new shareholder.“We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen to invest in our club.“He is regarded as the greatest to ever play the game.“Also, he knows Spanish football very well and he understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy,” club said.In his own remarks, Cristiano Ronaldo explained the motivation behind the decision.The club said, “It has been a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond just on the pitch. UD Almería is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth.“I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the next phase of the club’s growth.”Ronaldo Spanish tiesAt 41, Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most prominent figures in world football.The Portuguese forward currently plays for Al Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia, continuing a professional career that has spanned more than two decades at the highest level.Ronaldo has deep ties to Spanish football from his nine-year spell at Real Madrid CF, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and won multiple domestic and European titles, PUNCH Online reports.His history in Spain, combined with his enduring profile and continued involvement in the sport.The Al-Nassr forward has periodically fuelled speculation in media circles about a possible return to Spanish football in some capacity, whether as a player, investor or ambassador, particularly as he expands his business interests within the game.
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