CRISTIANO RONALDO will NOT play in the Asian Champions League after his money-spinning move to Al-Nassr.
The 37-year-old had previously said that he wants to continue playing in the Champions League – but no European switch materialised.
Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Napoli were mentioned, but the trio all eventually distanced themselves from a potential deal.
So in the end Ronaldo decided to head to Saudi Arabia and become the highest-paid sportsperson of all time.
But his move does come at a slight cost.
Ronaldo won’t be playing in the Asian Champions League as Al-Nassr are not even in the tournament.
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Ronaldo’s new club failed to even qualify for the competition after a third-place finish in the Saudi Pro League last season.
Their best ever result in the Asian Champions League came in 1995 when they finished runners-up.
With Ronaldo leading the line they will fancy their chances of going one better.
But they will have to wait until at least next season to make it into the tournament.
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Only the winners of the Saudi Pro League qualify for the group stages of the Asian Champions League.
Speaking after joining his new club, Ronaldo said: “I am excited to try a new football league in a different country.
“The vision that Al-Nassr is working with, is very inspiring.
“I am looking forward to meeting my teammates, and together help the team achieve more successes.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
