Cristiano Ronaldo had a brutal response after a Club World Cup side contacted him over a potential transfer.
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Club World Cup kicks off this weekWydad Casablanca tried to sign RonaldoAl-Nassr star rejected the chance Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Several rumours have linked Cristiano Ronaldo with a move to a Club World Cup side in recent weeks, but nothing came to fruition as the Portuguese has remained at Al Nassr. Amidst links to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and Botafogo in Brazil, Ronaldo was also linked with Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca. But representatives of the 40-year-old rejected the idea of a move to Wydad, according to club president Hicham Aït-Menna.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The fact that Ronaldo is likely not to compete at this summer's Club World Cup is a major blow to FIFA and to many of the clubs taking part, who will have been all too aware of the great impact the presence of Ronaldo would have had, not only on the club he is representing, but on the tournament as a whole.
Speaking in May, FIFA president Gianni Infantino claimed there were "discussions" taking place about Ronaldo competing in the Club World Cup, suggesting that a move would have had benefits from a business sense, as football's international governing body attempt to sell their new-look tournament.
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowWHAT RONALDO SAID
Wydad president Aït-Menna said: “Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t have come for the money – he doesn’t need it. I don’t know how the rumour spread, but yes, I did reach out to one of his agent friends about three and a half or four months ago, asking: ‘Would he want to play the Club World Cup?’ He replied, ‘Listen, I don’t think so.'"
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO AND WYDAD?
Ronaldo recently committed his future to Al Nassr following Nations League final success with Portugal, and it is likely that he will remain in Saudi Arabia.
As for Wydad, the Moroccan side will have to do without Ronaldo when they begin the tournament against Manchester City on June 18. They then face Juventus ahead of a clash with UAE outfit Al Ain on June 26. This tournament will be a great opportunity for Wydad to increase their global profile, so they will be hoping to impress on the world stage.
