Eddie Howe, manager of Newcastle United football club, said Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently joined Al-Nasr Saudi Arabia, does not have a clause in his contract that would allow him to join his team if they qualify for the Champions League.
The Saudi victory included five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo after the latter signed a two-and-a-half-year contract following his departure from Manchester United.
According to reports on Monday, the Portuguese striker has asked for a clause to be included which would allow him to move on loan to Newcastle, which is backed by a Saudi administration, should he end the current season in the Big Four .
However, Eddie Howe, speaking before facing Arsenal on Tuesday, denied this.
“We wish Cristiano all the best in his adventure, but from my point of view that’s not true,” Howe told Sky Sports.
Ronaldo is the historic top scorer in the Champions League, scoring 140 goals, and won the title once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid.
Ronaldo said in yesterday’s press conference on Tuesday that he will not join any other European club before his retirement.
He added: “In Europe I finished my work, won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe.”
