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Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested he’s unlikely to play at the Club World Cup. He has confirmed he received offers but declined.
Cristiano Ronaldo in UEFA Nations’ League. (AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo has almost certainly ruled out playing at the Club World Cup, disappointing FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s hopes of showcasing one of soccer’s biggest stars at the tournament.
On Saturday, the Portugal captain confirmed that he received “quite a few” offers from participating clubs for the tournament starting June 14, but he decided to decline them.
“Some things make sense to talk about, other things don’t, and, as a person says, you can’t take part in everything,” Ronaldo said. “You have to think about the short, medium, and long term. It’s a decision practically made on my part not to go to the Club World Cup, but I’ve had quite a few invitations to go.”
The 40-year-old soccer legend made these comments in Munich, a day before Portugal’s Nations League final against Spain.
Last month, Infantino hinted that Ronaldo, who is contracted with the Saudi team Al-Nassr until the end of June, could join one of the 32 clubs participating in the Club World Cup due to a unique transfer window created for the tournament.
Ronaldo fueled this speculation by posting “this chapter is over” after Al-Nassr’s last Saudi Pro League game of the season.
He was rumored to be linked with several Club World Cup participants, including Brazil’s Palmeiras.
A move to Al-Nassr’s crosstown rival Al-Hilal – the one Saudi club that qualified – was also considered as a possible way for Ronaldo to play in the tournament, where his great rival Lionel Messi will be playing with Inter Miami.
FIFA would have appreciated the boost in ticket sales that Ronaldo’s presence could bring, though such a temporary switch to a fierce local rival would be unthinkable for players in Europe’s leagues.
Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are among the four major Saudi clubs backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund, which holds a 75% stake in each. On Thursday, FIFA announced PIF as an “official partner” of the Club World Cup. Saudi state money is also supporting the tournament’s broadcasting deal, which has largely funded its $1 billion prize pool shared among the participants.
“This is irrelevant right now,” Ronaldo first said when asked about the Club World Cup on Saturday. “It makes no sense to talk about anything other than the national team.”
Ronaldo led Portugal into the Nations League final on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over host nation Germany.
His winning goal was his record-extending 137th for Portugal. If he plays on Sunday, it will mark his record-extending 221st appearance for the national team.
(with AP inputs)
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