Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he has rejected offers to play at the Club World Cup this summer and admits it would be ‘very difficult’ to play alongside Lionel Messi before his career is over.
The 40-year-old’s contract with Al-Nassr is due to expire at the end of this month, while FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, had suggested that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward had held talks over a move to a team that will play in the Club World Cup.
However, it’s understood that Ronaldo is now due to extend his contract with Al-Nassr, despite appearing to suggest that his time with the Saudi Pro League side is over.
But when asked about the prospect of playing at the Club World Cup, Ronaldo said at a press conference on Saturday: ‘It’s irrelevant, at this moment it doesn’t make sense to talk about other things other than the national team.
‘There have been a lot of contacts, I see things that make sense, others that don’t, as the other guy says, you can’t go to everything, you have to think short, medium and long term.
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‘It’s a decision that has practically been made on my part, which is not to go to the Club World Cup, but I’ve had a lot of invitations.’
Ronaldo was also asked about the prospect of playing in the same team as Lionel Messi, who will be captaining Inter Miami at the Club World Cup this summer, before his career ends.
‘You know I have a lot of affection for Argentina, my wife is from there,’ Ronaldo replied.
‘I have already been invited to play in the Club World Cup for an Argentine club.
‘You never know… the time is there. I am already 40 years old, but you never know. But I think it is very difficult.
‘I have never been to Argentina, I want to go, I have a lot of affection for the Argentines.
‘And I have affection for Messi, we were rivals for many years, but I have already said that we were in that scenario for 15 years and I remember that before he didn’t speak any English, I don’t know if he does now. And I translated for him when they explained to us what we had to do at a gala.
‘I have affection for him, he has always treated me well and respected me as I respect him. I find it very difficult, but you never know.’
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