Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo Turns Down Club World Cup Offer to Focus on Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly turned down an offer from River Plate head coach Marcelo Gallardo to join the Argentine side for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Gallardo revealed that he personally reached out to Ronaldo through a mutual friend to explore the possibility of having the Portuguese star feature for River Plate in the tournament.
The two have a bit of history—Gallardo previously managed Ronaldo during a 2023 friendly in Saudi Arabia when he coached a Riyadh All-Stars team in a match against Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking ahead of River Plate’s clash with Monterrey, Gallardo told ESPN that their conversation earlier this year was casual but meaningful.
“In March, we spoke informally,” he said. “I asked if he would be interested in playing the Club World Cup. A player like him, who defined an era—it made sense to ask.” Gallardo added that Ronaldo appreciated the gesture and gave it serious thought but ultimately turned it down. The reason? He wanted to focus fully on getting ready for the new season with Al-Nassr.
Despite the rejection, Gallardo praised Ronaldo’s professionalism and character, saying they’ve kept a respectful relationship since their brief time working together. While fans won’t get to see Ronaldo in a River Plate shirt, the story shows the kind of admiration he still commands globally—even from clubs outside Europe.
Former Manchester United player, Jesse Lingard, has revealed that he has mutually agreed to leave FC Seoul and his contract will end. It is reported that he will leave next week.
It can be noted that the footballer joined in February 2024 and has made 66 appearances since then, scoring 18 goals.
The player shared his experience on social media, saying “My time in South Korea has been unbelievable — the football, the atmosphere, and the passion around this club have been top class.”
“The love, support, and appreciation you have shown towards me over these last two years has been truly amazing. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a massive club.”
Former footballer, Rio Ferdinand compares Arsenal star player, Bukayo Saka, to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
When comparing players, he shared that: “When Saka is on it, he looks unplayable,” however he also stated that even with Salah’s stature, he is strong.
He has got the strength like Mohamed Salah. He is small in frame and size when you look at him, but do you ever see him get pushed off the ball?
“You don’t really see people take the ball off him or put him on his arse. He is a strong little guy.”
Former Chelsea player Frank Leboeuf speaks on recent league matches and names two clubs that can really challenge Arsenal this season, Manchester City and Chelsea.
During a recent interview when speaking about Arsenal, he shared “They are still the big favourites [for the title], but they will have to prove it. They lost four points against Sunderland and Chelsea. Manchester City are back, Chelsea are still there.”
“We will have the winter period, which will start very soon, so let’s see,” he said.
Former Man United Star Jesse Lingard Ends Contract With FC Seoul
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