Ronaldo Reveals Why He Turned Down FIFA Club World Cup Invitation
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese player, just two days after renewing his contract with the Saudi Pro League, had said that he would prefer to take rest rather than play in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup as he wishes to prolong his career for club as well as his country.
Ronaldo was invited by the FIFA President Gianni Infantino to be part of the FIFA Club World Cup. However, the 40-year-old swiftly brushed them aside. “I had some offers to play in the [Club] World Cup, but I think it didn’t make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will be very long as it is the World Cup season at the end of the year,” Ronaldo said in a video posted by Al Nassr on X.
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The Portuguese international had recently led his country to the UEFA Nations League title and he had signed a two-year contract with the Al Nassr club. This would keep him in the club possibly till his 42nd birthday and even the FIFA Club World Cup, which is to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. However, there had been speculation regarding him continuing in the club following the cryptic post he had made on his social media. Moreover, Al Nassr had failed to qualify for the Club World Cup as well.
“I want to be ready not only for Al Nassr but also for the national team. So, this is why I decided to play the last game for the Nations League and not listen to anything,” he added.
“And of course, to be in this club, which I love.”
The Portuguese footballer, renewing the contract, said that his aim is to stay with the club and win a major trophy with the Riyadh-based side. “This is why I renewed the two years more because I believe that I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia.”
Ronaldo had scored for Portugal in the Nations League final against Spain earlier in the month. He is now eyeing the 1000-goal milestone in his career. So far, he had scored 794 goals in club football and 138 for Portugal, taking his tally to 932.
Read also: Al Nassr Without A Coach As Ronaldo’s Contract Nears End
Meanwhile, Al Nassr, after the exit of its coach Stefano Pioli, it seems like Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus would now take charge of the Saudi Pro League club, as per the news reports. The details of Jesus’s contract are expected to be released once the deal is announced by the club.
