Cristiano Ronaldo reveals stance on playing in the Club World Cup after ‘receiving many invitations’ to leave Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken out about potentially playing in this summer’s Club World Cup.

Ronaldo, 40, currently plays for Al-Nassr who have not qualified for the tournament, but he has been linked with a transfer away to join a club that is participating.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino only fuelled speculation when he told YouTuber iShowSpeed last month that talks were ongoing about Ronaldo featuring in the newly-expanded competition.

Ahead of playing in Sunday’s Nations League final for Portugal against Spain, Ronaldo has now revealed that he does not expect to play at the Club World Cup.

‘It’s almost decided that I will not take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals,’ Ronaldo told reporters.

‘There have been talks, contacts… but you have to think about short, medium and long term.’

Ronaldo’s statement comes less than two weeks after he appeared to signal that his time at Al-Nassr could be coming to an end when he put out a cryptic social media post following their final game of the season.

The X post read: ‘This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.’ 

He was subsequently linked with a shock switch to Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League rivals, Al-Hilal, who will be playing in the Club World Cup.

However, this move has not materialised and it is understood that Ronaldo is currently considering a £167m-a-year contract offer to remain at Al-Nassr. 

He joined the Saudi outfit in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United the previous month following a public fall-out with Erik ten Hag.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has gone on to score 93 goals in 105 appearances, but has not won a trophy since moving to the Middle East. 

He is still representing Portugal, though, and will have a chance of winning more silverware for his country on Sunday night.

And with the World Cup just a year away, Ronaldo has insisted he has no plans to hang up his boots just yet.

Speaking on Saturday, Ronaldo added: ‘My mentality is to live day by day. I don’t have many more years to play… but I’m enjoying the moment.

‘There’s no day decided for my retirement. I feel happy, I’m here to enjoy and keep going.’

More to follow…