"You Can't Catch Every Ball" — Ronaldo on Turning Down Offers
In a candid statement, Ronaldo said he had been approached by several clubs eyeing his experience and star power for the Club World Cup, but ultimately declined.
“I will not be at the Club World Cup,” he said. “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.”
His comments come after FIFA President Gianni Infantino hinted in May at the possibility of Ronaldo joining a qualifying team, following Al-Nassr’s failure to secure a spot in the tournament.
Al-Nassr Chapter May Be Closing, But Future Remains Uncertain
Speculation around Ronaldo’s next move intensified after he posted a cryptic message on social media in May, stating that "the chapter is over" following Al-Nassr’s final league match of the season. This sparked rumours of a potential transfer or retirement.
However, sources close to the club have told BBC Sport that Al-Nassr remain hopeful of renewing Ronaldo’s contract. The Portuguese legend, who joined the Riyadh-based team in 2023 following his dramatic exit from Manchester United, has been pivotal to their campaign.
Ronaldo has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances for Al-Nassr, including an impressive 35 goals in 41 matches this past season.
Final Decision on Career "Almost Final"
When pressed about his future, Ronaldo offered a hint that an announcement is imminent.
“A decision on my future is almost final,” he said, leaving fans and pundits alike eagerly awaiting clarity on whether the football icon will extend his stay in Saudi Arabia or seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Still Delivering on the Pitch
Despite turning 40 earlier this year, Ronaldo remains a decisive force on the field. He recently scored the winner in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Germany, securing their place in the Nations League final. As the captain prepares to lead his nation against Spain, his focus appears to remain firmly on international success—even as uncertainty looms over the next chapter of his club career.
Whether he stays in Saudi Arabia, returns to Europe, or surprises the world with an unexpected move, one thing is clear: Ronaldo's journey, though winding down, is not quite finished.