Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal only fell through due to a transfer ban, according to claims from club president Fahad ben Nafel.

Sportsmail reported on transfer deadline day that the Riyadh-based team were the only one to make an offer for the Manchester United star after he announced his desire to leave this summer due to their lack of Champions League football.

And Ben Nafel, who sanctioned a two-year contract worth £2million-a-week and £210m in total plus a £25m transfer fee, insisted the Portuguese forward was happy with the move in 'principle', despite reports that he felt it was a step down and his desire to play in the Champions League.

'Al-Hilal is able to bring in the stars of the world, but it was in the decision of the Sports Arbitration Center that prevented us from registering the players.

'We did not stop negotiating with the players despite the decision to ban, but we were delaying entering the final stage of the negotiations until the ban was lifted.'