Ronaldo prefers rest to playing in Club World Cup
RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo shoots the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Fateh at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on January 26, 2025. 2025. - AFP
RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo preferred to take a rest rather than play in the revamped Club World Cup, the Portuguese international said on Saturday after renewing his contract with Al-Nassr. The Saudi Pro League club announced on Thursday that Ronaldo had signed a two-year contract which would keep him at the club past his 42nd birthday.
Speculation over the 40-year-old's plans intensified last month when FIFA President Gianni Infantino said discussions were underway about Ronaldo playing in the Club World Cup, despite Al-Nassr failing to qualify.
'I had some offers to play in the 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 said in a video posted by Al-Nassr on X.
'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 scored for Portugal in the Nations League final against Spain earlier this month which ended 2-2 before his side went on to beat the European champions on penalties. The Portugal captain said his aim in staying at Al-Nassr was to win a major trophy with the Riyadh-based side.
'My goal, it's always to win something important for Al-Nassr. And of course I still believe in that' Ronaldo added. 'This is why I renewed the two years more because I believe that I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia'.
Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances for them in all competitions. Ronaldo is also eyeing the 1,000-goal milestone in his career. He has scored 794 goals in club football and 138 for Portugal to take his tally to 932. — Reuters
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