 "Cristiano Ronaldo reveals reason for skipping FIFA Club World Cup: 'I had some offers'")
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he had the opportunity to take part in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, but he resisted the temptation and signed a new mega deal with Al Nassr. The 40-year-old star striker is looking to have a great season with the Saudi Arabian club and do well with Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr was set to end on 30 June, but the former Real Madrid forward penned a new two-year deal on 26 June. He will now stay at the Saudi Pro League club till he’s 42.
It was reported that clubs from Brazil and Morocco were interested in signing Ronaldo on a short-term deal for the new-look Club World Cup, which has now been expanded to 32 clubs. Even FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that Ronaldo could play at the Club World Cup, even though Al Nassr have not qualified.
Ronaldo explains skipping Club World Cup
But Ronaldo has now clarified that the Club World Cup was not on his radar, as he loves Al Nassr and is already thinking about next year’s World Cup.
“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 told Al Nassr website.
“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”.
Ronaldo recently helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League title and will hope to win his first World Cup next year.
He added that one of his aims is to win a major trophy at Al Nassr.
“My goal, it’s always to win something important for Al-Nassr. And of course I still believe in that,” Ronaldo said. “This is why I renewed the two years more because I believe that I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia.”
Ronaldo has scored 93 goals so far in 105 appearances for Al Nassr. He is also very close to the 1,000-goal mark, having already scored 932.
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