CRISTIANO RONALDO appears to have ruled out playing in the upcoming Club World Cup.
The 40-year-old’s future with Al-Nassr remains uncertain ahead of the tournament in the US later this month.
Ronaldo had been linked with a move away from the Saudi side, with his contract due to expire on June 30.
The club remain confident they can convince Ronaldo to stay and pen a new deal.
Al-Nassr are not participating in Fifa’s revamped 32-strong Club World Cup.
Ronaldo had been linked with a fast-moving transfer, which would require the club to release him early from his contract so he could play in the competition.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
A similar deal has been struck between Arsenal and Jorginho, who have released the midfielder early so he can join Flamengo.
But Ronaldo has indicated a move in time for the tournament starting on June 15 is unlikely.
Ronaldo said, via Fabrizio Romano: “It’s almost decided that I will NOT take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals.
“There have been talks, contacts – but you have to think about short, medium and long term.”
Most read in Football
Ronaldo also opened up on the prospect of retirement.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
Now 40, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner appears to believe he has plenty of time left.
He continued: “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.”
Ronaldo has topped the scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League for the past two seasons.
But he has failed to win silverware with Al-Nassr since joining from Manchester United in 2023.
Club World Cup 2025 Guide
SOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.
Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.
Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.
Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZN
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…
INFO
LATEST NEWS & FEATURES
And sporting director Fernando Hierro believes he can change Ronaldo’s mind about leaving and get him to pen a new deal.
Hierro told a press conference late last month: “I have to be positive. I don’t think Ronaldo will leave Al-Nassr.
“In any case, we are working hard on all aspects.
“Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr runs until the end of June 30.
“We will work to renew his contract so he can continue with us, and there are many clubs interested in signing him.
Read More on The Sun
“He is a huge phenomenon in the history of football and has helped the league grow.
“We are in contact to renew his contract and hope he continues with us.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
