The Portuguese football superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, has said that he turned down offers to play in the Club World Cup so he could take a proper rest and prepare for a long and demanding season.
The Portuguese star made the comments after signing a new two-year deal with Al-Nassr that will keep him at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.
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.
