Ronaldo turns down Club World Cup showdown with Guardiola and Manchester City - what a load of bollocks!
So, apparently Cristiano Ronaldo was offered the chance to play in the Club World Cup against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, but the bellend turned it down. What a mug!
Ronaldo's club, Al-Nassr, didn't even qualify for the tournament, but some South American team wanted to sign him up just for the competition. His contract with the Saudi Pro League club ends this month, so everyone was speculating about his future.
Ronaldo and Messi rivalry
With Messi set to play in the Club World Cup for Inter Miami, everyone thought the football gods would make it happen for Ronaldo to compete too. But nope, the 40-year-old confirmed he wouldn't be going to the United States for the tournament, despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino claiming Ronaldo could take part.
Ronaldo said, "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."
Wydad Athletic's attempt to sign Ronaldo
Moroccan club Wydad Athletic, who play Man City next Wednesday, claimed they tried to sign Ronaldo but failed. The club's president, Hicham Aït-Menna, said, "I contacted one of his agent friends three and a half or four months ago, saying, 'Wouldn't he want to play in the Club World Cup?' He replied, 'Listen, I don't think so.'"
Aït-Menna added, "There were never any real negotiations for this player. We would have liked to have him, but financially we wouldn't have been able to pay the price he's worth."
Wydad turns to Amrabat
Instead, Wydad tried to sign ex-Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who plays for Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce. Aït-Menna said, "I thank Sofyan Amrabat because he really did everything he could to come and play with us, but the decision was up to his club, who didn't release him."
Wydad will face Manchester City, Juventus, and Al-Ain in the group stage of the Club World Cup. The tournament kicks off with Al-Ahly playing Inter Miami at 1am BST on Sunday morning.
