Ronaldo says he does not plan to play at Club World Cup

Al-Nassr and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo said on Saturday he did not plan to play at the Club World Cup in the United States, despite being courted by clubs participating in the expanded 32-team tournament.

Speculation over the 40-year-olds future intensified last month when FIFA President Gianni Infantino said discussions were underway about Ronaldo playing in the Club World Cup, despite Al-Nassr failing to qualify.

Al-Nassrs sporting director Fernando Hierro said last month they were negotiating with Ronaldo over a contract extension but faced competition from a host of clubs eager to sign the five-times Ballon dOr winner.

Ronaldo himself added to the uncertainty after Al-Nassrs season-ending match at Al-Fateh, posting on social media: This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.

Asked about the possibility of signing for another club in the coming days in order to play at the Club World Cup later this month, Ronaldo told reporters: Its irrelevant, at the moment it doesnt make sense to talk about things other than the national team.

There has been plenty of contact (from clubs),I see things that make sense, others that dont. You cant go to all of them (clubs),you have to think short, medium and long term.

Its something thats practically decided on my part, which is not to go to the Club World Cup, but Ive had plenty of invitations.

On Wednesday, Ronaldo scored the winner as Portugal beat Germany 2-1 to go into the Nations League final, where they will face Spain.

Many have labelled Sundays final as a face-off between Ronaldo and 17-year-old Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal but the Portuguese forward said he did not see it as such.

Its always been like that, whenever Ive played football, whenever Ive played a big game its always been Cristiano against this one,