Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has ruled himself out of contention of the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to start later this month.
Ronaldo, 40, has expressed that he would not be taking part in the tournament, after turning down several offers from participating clubs.
What Ronaldo said
“It’s irrelevant, at the moment it doesn’t make sense to talk about things other than the national team”, Ronaldo said ahead of Portugal’s Nations League final against Spain on Sunday.
“There has been plenty of contact [from clubs], I see things that make sense, others that don’t. You can’t go to all of them [clubs], you have to think short, medium and long term.
It’s something that’s practically decided on my part, which is not to go to the Club World Cup, but I’ve had plenty of invitations”, the former Manchester United star added.
Ronaldo’s contractual situation
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had earlier this year raised the idea of a Ronaldo-Messi show at the tournament later this month, with the latter’s Inter Miami representing the host nation, while Ronaldo’s Al Nassr had failed to qualify.
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Ronaldo’s contract at Al Nassr expires at the end of June, with uncertainty lingering over his future after a post on his social media in the aftermath of the club’s last game of the season last month.
The 40-year old has posted on social media; “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.”
The former Real Madrid forward is yet to agree an extension at the club, although sporting director Fernando Hierro has hinted that negotiations had been going on over a while.
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When is the Club World Cup?
The newly-expanded 32-team tournament kicks off in the United States next Saturday, with the final expected to hold on the 13th of July.
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