Benched by his national team coach during the World Cup and now reports indicate that Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr is all but canceled.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was supposed to be a vindication for Cristiano Ronaldo, instead it was more of the same as the Portuguese superstar was replaced by his national team. It all started when the 37-year-old reacted poorly to being substituted against South Korea and his coach Fernando Santos was having none of it.
Not only was he on the bench for the Round of 16 against Switzerland, but Portugal almost missed him as they demolished Switzerland 6-1 to send a major statement during the knockout stages. Cristiano Ronaldo only played 15 minutes of the match.
Additionally, his announced move to Saudi side Al-Nassr appears to have gone up in smoke. Here’s the latest on Cristiano Ronaldo transfer rumours.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr now off?
According to reporter Pedro Sepúlveda, Ronaldo was not convinced by the proposition of the Saudi club, “Cristiano Ronaldo will reject the 200m€ offer from Al NassrFC. He’s not looking for money. Ronaldo wants the ideal project to continue playing at the highest level. His priority continues to be a club with conditions to fight for Champions League. Playing in Asia is not an option.”
Pundits have reported that given Ronaldo’s high salary demands and the recent issues he has had it is very difficult for him to play for one of the major powers in Europe. Although the new ownership at Chelsea has expressed interest, more from a marketing standpoint than a soccer one.
If Ronaldo’s decision is to continue to play in Europe, then the rumors of a possible move to Major League Soccer are all but over. The question now is club less and on the bench for Portugal for more insubordination, what top club would take him?
Leave a comment