Portuguese football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, has dismissed widespread speculations linking him to a possible switch to a Club World Cup team, confirming that he will not participate in the forthcoming tournament in the United States.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final clash against Spain in Munich on Sunday, the 39-year-old said he had been approached by several clubs but was not interested in making a short-term move.
“I will not be at the Club World Cup,” Ronaldo stated firmly, quashing recent transfer rumours. “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 former Real Madrid and Manchester United star’s current contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr is due to expire at the end of June. His future has been a subject of intense speculation, particularly after he cryptically posted on social media in May: “The chapter is over.”
That message fuelled talks of a potential switch to another Saudi club, possibly Al Hilal—one of the teams set to participate in the newly expanded Club World Cup format.
However, Ronaldo clarified that although discussions took place with some of the clubs involved, he would not be making any hasty decisions.
“I’ve been contacted, yes, but I’m not looking for quick solutions. I want what’s best for me and my family,” he said.
When asked about his next move, Ronaldo responded with measured confidence: “The decision on my future is almost final.”
