"It's almost decided" - Cristiano Ronaldo makes stance clear about joining new club to play in Club World Cup amid transfer rumors
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he will most likely not play the Club World Cup after failing to join a new club ahead of the tournament. He claimed that some clubs playing in the tournament approached him over a potential summer move, with his Al Nassr contract expiring on June 30.
However, he has recently claimed that it looks more likely that he will stay put at the Saudi Pro League club. He told the press on Friday, June 6 (via Fabrizio Romano):
"It's almost decided that I will not take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals. There have been talks, contacts… but you have to think about short, medium and long term."
Notably, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was keen on getting Ronaldo to the Club World Cup. On iShowSpeed's stream in May, he claimed there were discussions ongoing to get the Portuguese superstar to join one of the sides heading to the United States for the Club World Cup. He said (via BBC):
"And Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup... who knows, who knows."
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly in contract talks with Al Nassr over a contract renewal, but has not signed a new deal yet. Al Hilal, Botafogo and Wydad Casablanca have been linked with the Portuguese superstar as they are set to play at the FIFA Club World Cup this month.
Chelsea urged to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for FIFA Club World Cup
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke spoke to Gambling Industry News in May and urged Chelsea to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. He claimed that the Al Nassr star was better than every option they had at the club and said (via GOAL):
"Yeah, why would you not? He can still do it. With his ambition and ability, if Chelsea are playing the way that they can and creating for him, he's still an incredible forward. I see no reason not to. He's better than what Chelsea have currently got up front there. I can tell you that they're not the greatest team in that number nine position. So I could see why he's linked to that move. I don't see any reason why you wouldn't take a punt on it but it's just a no-brainer."
John Obi Mikel also backed Cristiano Ronaldo to join Chelsea for the FIFA Club World Cup.
