Cristiano Ronaldo’s glamorous deal with Saudi club Al Nassr does not include any clause that would allow him to back a FIFA World Cup bid by the Middle Eastern nation, his new club has said.
Ronaldo has signed a huge contract with Al Nassr which has made him the highest paid player in the world, but according to several reports he will also earn an extra £175 for promoting Saudi Arabia’s 2030 World Cup bid.
The nation is said to be arranging a joint bid with countries such as Egypt and Greece.
However, Al Nassr has denied any speculation stating that Ronaldo is only focused on the club’s performance.
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Ronaldo’s new club took to their Twitter account and insisted the Portuguese’s contract does not include any clause to support World Cup bids.
“Al Nassr FC would like to clarify that, contrary to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr does not imply any commitment to a World Cup bid. His main focus is on Al Nassr and working with his teammates to help the club achieve success,” read a club statement.
Following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo has mutually terminated his contract with Manchester United, becoming a free agent.
After many European elites walked away from the 37-year-old, he decided to go ahead and join Al Nassr.
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Having been linked to several big clubs like Bayern Munich and Chelsea, interest never materialized and hence Ronaldo was left with no choice but to move to the Middle East.
Having joined the Saudi Pro League squad in December, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to make his new club debut. He signed a two and a half year contract with Al Nassr.
Interestingly, in addition to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s country Portugal is also planning to submit a joint bid with Spain and Ukraine for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
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