Latest Manchester United news as ex-forward Cristiano Ronaldo offers an update on his future
Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo(Image: Getty Images)
Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he won’t be involved at the Club World Cup “despite receiving many invitations and proposals”.
Ronaldo, 40, who scored 35 goals in 41 matches for Al-Nassr in the 2024/25 season, had been linked with a blockbuster move to Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Hilal. He would have then been able to take part in FIFA’s revamped tournament, which is set to get underway next week.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino fuelled speculation when he told YouTuber iShowSpeed last month that talks were ongoing about Ronaldo’s involvement in the expanded Club World Cup. However, Ronaldo has now confirmed he does not expect to play in the competition this month.
Speaking ahead of the Nations League final, as Portugal prepare to face Spain, Ronaldo said on Saturday: “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.”
Ronaldo’s admission comes less than two weeks after he appeared to hint that his time at Al-Nassr could be coming to an end. Following their final game of the season, he posted a cryptic message on X, formerly known as Twitter. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”
But Ronaldo is expected to remain at Al-Nassr and sign a new contract, reported to be worth £167million-a-year. He has scored 93 goals in 105 matches since signing for the Saudi club from United.
Despite turning 40 in February, Ronaldo has no plans to retire from football right now. He said: “My mentality is to live day by day. I don’t have many more years to play… but I’m enjoying the moment. There’s no day decided for my retirement. I feel happy, I’m here to enjoy and keep going.”
Ronaldo ended his second stint at Old Trafford following a public spat with Erik ten Hag. The former Real Madrid and Juventus front man said he had no respect for Ten Hag during an explosive interview with Piers Morgan. He also criticised former team-mates Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville, and took aim at United’s owners.
“I don’t have respect for him [Ten Hag] because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo said back in November 2022. “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”
“Manchester United tried to force me out,” he added. “Not only the manager, but the other two or three guys who are around the club [at the senior executive level]. I felt betrayed. I don’t care, people should listen to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed. I feel that some people didn’t want me here, not only this year but last season too.”
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