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 English footballer, Jamie Redknapp, makes bold suggestion regarding Mohamed Salah to leave the club, Liverpool.
The suggestion came after Liverpool manager Arne Slot criticized the player — a move Redknapp called out following Salah’s benching in the last match.
The former player shared “I don’t necessarily think in January. I just think we have got to let this settle. But I don’t foresee that he will see out the two years of his contract. I think it might be more in the summer.”
Arsenal football manager Mikel Arteta speaks on the team’s defeat against Aston Villa, 2–1, in their match on Saturday.
It can be recalled that Aston Villa scored a goal in the first half, but Arsenal scored back in the second half. After equalizing, Aston Villa scored another goal.
“In the first half we had moments, obviously had the best chance after a foul on Riccy [Calafiori] that Watkins goes through,” Arteta said.
“In the second half we started really well. Scored a goal and we were really dominant.”
Former Liverpool player, Jamie Carragher, speaks on Arsenal’s next match and claims that their game against Aston Villa will be challenging and described it as a test for the team to see how well they perform.
“Arsenal have looked the best team in the league by a long way so far this season, but Man City are still only five points behind.
There’s a long way to go and Arsenal will need to keep their heads! It could be tested tomorrow against Aston Villa!!”
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