Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly turned down the opportunity of a Club World Cup showdown with Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
The Portuguese forward confirmed last week that he would not be featuring in the revamped tournament that kicks off in the United States in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Ronaldo was recently approached to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup
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Ronaldo was recently approached to compete in the FIFA Club World CupCredit: Getty
Ronaldo’s club side Al-Nassr did not qualify for the 32-team tournament but that hasn’t stopped a South American team showing their interest in acquiring the star for the duration of the competition.
His contract with the Saudi Pro League outfit runs out at the end of the month, which sparked speculation over his immediate future.
With long-standing rival Lionel Messi set to feature in the Club World Cup for Inter Miami, it was anticipated that the football gods would find a way of enabling Ronaldo to compete.
However, the 40-year-old this week confirmed that he would not be in the United States for the tournament, a statement at odds with FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s claim that Ronaldo could be in line to take part.
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“It’s almost decided that I will not take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals,” Ronaldo said in an interview ahead of Portugal’s Nations League final victory over Spain last weekend
“There have been talks, contacts… but you have to think about short, medium and long term.”
But another club has revealed their attempts to convince Ronaldo to join them for the tournament were also in vain.
Moroccan club Wydad Athletic, who kick off their Club World Cup campaign next Wednesday against Man City, claim that preliminary contact had taken place regarding the signing of Ronaldo but a deal was never close
"Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn't have come for the money because he doesn't need it. I don't know how the rumor got around,” Wydad Athletic Club president Hicham Aït-Menna told RMC’s After Afrique.
“But it's true that 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.' I think FIFA was also interested in bringing in players who play in Saudi Arabia. To give more excitement to this edition, which is the first.
Amrabat spent a season on loan at Manchester United where he was an FA Cup winner
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Amrabat spent a season on loan at Manchester United where he was an FA Cup winnerCredit: Getty
"There were never any real negotiations for this player,” he added.
“We would have liked to have him, but financially we wouldn't have been able to pay the price he's worth. Unless he had shown interest… I even came back two or three times."
Wydad instead turned their attention to another ex-Manchester United star to help bolster their squad.
Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who plays for Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce, was sounded out as an option and Aït-Menna says the 28-year-old was on board with the idea.
"I thank Sofyan Amrabat because he really did everything he could to come and play with us," revealed the club chief.
"But the decision was up to his club, who didn't release him."
32 teams will battle it out for the Club World Cup which kicks off this weekend
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32 teams will battle it out for the Club World Cup which kicks off this weekendCredit: Getty
Wydad were handed a tough set of fixtures in the group stage with Manchester City up first before a clash with Italian giants Juventus.
Al-Ain provide the final test for the Moroccans in their quest to make the knockout rounds.
The FIFA Club World Cup kicks off with Al-Ahly taking on Inter Miami at 1am BST on Sunday morning.