Portuguese football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, has admitted that he had the chance of playing at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, but he turned down the opportunity because he wanted to enjoy the summer break ahead of next season.
Before Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year contract extension with Al Nassr on Thursday, there were strong speculations that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was wanted by a Club World Cup side, Al Hilal.
The Middle Eastern giants were aiming to bring in Ronaldo ahead of the tournament but the 40-year-old Portuguese football icon reportedly turned down the offer.
Also, before the Club World Cup kicked off, FIFA President Gianni Infantino told reporters that there were ongoing efforts to make Ronaldo play at the tournament even though his current club, Al Nassr were not qualified for it.
Amid the speculations, Ronaldo who is aiming to hit a record-setting 1,000 career goals, signed a contract extension with his current club.
“I had some offers to play in the 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 Al Nassr shared on 𝕏.
“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.
“And of course, to be in this club, which I love”.
On why he decided to remain at Al Nassr, where he has been playing since January 2023, Ronaldo, who has won at least a trophy for his previous clubs, said he aims to do the same for the Saudi side.
“My goal is always to win something important for Al Nassr. And of course I still believe in that” Ronaldo added.
“This is why I renewed for two more years because I believe that I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia”.
Note that Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances for Al Nassr in all competitions. He currently has a record 932 career goals.
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