New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about playing the FIFA Club World Cup, which is set to begin on June 15 in the United States of America (USA). Speaking ahead of the Nations League final against Spain in Munich on Sunday, the Portugal skipper said that he will not take part in the upcoming Club World Cup.
He claimed that some clubs playing in the tournament approached him for a potential move, with his Al Nassr contract expiring on June 30. Recently, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that Ronaldo might play for one of the teams, and there are discussions with some club, but the 40-year-old has ruled himself out of the tournament.
He joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after the termination of his contract with Manchester United and has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances for the Saudi club. He also posted on social media that “the chapter is over’ after Al-Nassr’s last game of the season, leading to rumours of a potential move. The striker scored the winning goal in a 2-1 win against Germany in the semifinal of the Nations League on Wednesday.
“It’s almost decided that I will not take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals. There have been talks, contacts… but you have to think about short, medium and long term,” Ronaldo said in the press conference.
‘He always treated me well and respected me’: Ronaldo reveals his affection for Lionel Messi
Ronaldo and Messi have played against each other for almost two decades, with fans constantly debating if the Portugal captain is better than the Argentine World Cup winner. Messi won the Ballon d’Or eight times while Ronaldo won it five times. The striker told the reporters that he has affection for Messi. He further added that Messi has always treated him with respect.
“We’ve been on the stage together for 15 years. I remember I used to translate English for him at the galas because he didn’t speak it well. He always treated me well and respected me” Ronaldo said.
Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken out about the possibility of playing in the upcoming Club World Cup. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
