Cristiano Ronaldo claims that he prefers to rest than compete in the updated FIFA Club World Cup in order to further his professional career.
The Portuguese international, who recently won the UEFA Nations League title, made the remarks on Saturday, two days after extending his stay with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
Ronaldo’s contract, which Al Nassr announced on Thursday, would allow him to stay with the club after his 42nd birthday and possibly his final World Cup appearance in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
When FIFA President Gianni Infantino claimed Ronaldo was in talks with playing in the Club World Cup despite Al Nassr failing to do so, the star forward quickly dismissed the speculation, which became more and more heated last month.
In a video posted by Al Nassr on X, Ronaldo stated, “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 because it’s the World Cup season is over.”
“I want to be ready for the national team as well as Al Nassr,” he said. Therefore, I made the decision to play the final game of the Nations League without listening,” he continued.
“And of course, I love being in this club.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with @AlNassrFC ends in 2027. twitter.com/uVOzvZW4u7
Ronaldo scored for Portugal in the Nations League final against Spain earlier this month, which ended 2-2 before his side advanced to defeat the European champions on penalties.
The Portugal captain stated that the main reason he chose to remain at Al Nassr was to bring home a sizable trophy with the Riyadh-based side.
“It’s always my goal to succeed,” I said. And I still, Ronaldo continued, “believe in that,” he continued. Because I think I’ll be a champion in Saudi Arabia, I renewed the two years.
Ronaldo, who left Manchester United as a free agent and signed for Al Nassr in 2022, has 93 goals in 105 games for them overall.
Source: Aljazeera
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