Cristiano Ronaldo is not planning a start at the upcoming World Cup. It is almost certain that he will not compete at the event in the USA from June 14 to July 13 (local time), he said against Spain before the National League final on Sunday.
Ronaldo’s contract at Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia expires at the end of the month, and the club is also not qualified for the World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently fueled speculation that the offensive star could appear at the tournament by changing the club. There were conversations and offers: “Some clubs have reported. Some offers did not make sense and others. But you can’t dance at all weddings”said Ronaldo.
Rumors about Al-Hilal and Brazilian Club World Cup participant
In the past few weeks there have been increasing rumors that he could switch to Al-Hilal, a Saudi league competitor of Al-Nassr. Simone Inzaghi was recently introduced to the Saudi record champions as the new head coach, who was still in the final of the Champions League in the end of May. There are four Portuguese in the extended coaching team.
There were also rumors. With Palmeiras, Ronaldo even played in a group with Messi and Inter Miami. But now a decision is almost fixed, he said: “I won’t be at the club World Cup. The decision is almost final”. By Tuesday, participants can still sign new players for the club World Cup.
The 40-year-old apparently does not plan an overly fast career end. He doesn’t have to play for many years anymore, but at the moment he feels good. “I enjoy it“, said Ronaldo. He still doesn’t know when it was over.
Ronaldo did not win a title in his two seasons at Al-Nassr. It is still unclear whether his contract will be extended by another season.
Duel with Yamal for Ronaldo “nothing special”
The focus is also on the national League endgame because of the duel with Spain’s top talent Lamine Yamal. However, this leaves the repeated world footballer cold. There are constant comparisons between him and another player. “They are completely different generations. One begins, another ends“, said Portugal’s record goal scorer. The 17-year-old Yamal is of great quality. You should let the teenager from FC Barcelona grow up in peace and not put too pressure under pressure, said Ronaldo.
Ronaldo shot the Portuguese in the semifinals 2-1 against Germany on Wednesday. On Thursday, Yamal contributed two goals to the spectacular 5: 4 of the Spaniards against France and is now the youngest double goal scorer in the national team history of the Iberer.