Cristiano Ronaldo rules himself out of Club World Cup
CRISTIANO RONALDO CONFIRMED he would not play in the upcoming Club World Cup on Saturday, dismissing rumours he was set to transfer to one of the participating clubs.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's Nations League final against Spain in Munich, the Portugal captain said suggestions he was set to take part in the newly expanded competition were wide of the mark.
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'I will not be at the Club World Cup,' the Portugal veteran said, but added he had 'been contacted' by several participating teams.
Ronaldo came into the Nations League in Germany amid swirling doubts about his future at club level, with the veteran's contract at Saudi side Al-Nassr set to expire at the end of June.
In May, the Portuguese posted on social media 'the chapter is over' as reports emerged he could switch to another club, potentially Saudi side Al Hilal, one of the teams who will be at the tournament in the United States in June.
Ronaldo said he was not interested in making a short-term decision which would allow him to play in the competition.
'Some teams reached out to me. Some made sense and others did not, but you can't try and do everything, you can't catch every ball.'
The forward said the decision on his future was 'almost final'.
– © AFP 2025
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Here's Tottenham's full statement after Ange Postecoglou's dismissal: Ange Postecoglou dismissal statement Tottenham released a lengthy statement explaining their decision to dismiss manager Ange Postecoglou: FOLLOWING a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties. Ange joined us from Celtic in the summer of 2023 and oversaw a period of change on the pitch, returning us to the attacking brand of football that has traditionally been associated with the Club, while writing a new chapter in our history by leading us to UEFA Europa League glory in Bilbao last month - an achievement that will live with us all forever. We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw. However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph. It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision. We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future - he will always be welcome back at our home. News on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course. Copy link Copied 1 …
