Cristiano Ronaldo has made a decision on signing a never-before-seen contract to play at the FIFA Club World Cup, just a week before the opening game of the 32-team tournament.
The 40-year-old's immediate future remains up in the air after he appeared to indicate that he would leave Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr this summer.
Taking to social media after playing in his final game of the season for Stefano Pioli's side, he wrote: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all."
Ronaldo's contract with the Riyadh-based club will expire at the end of June, although Al Nassr are willing to offer the five-time Ballon d'Or winner a two-year contract extension, according to widespread reports.
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That being said, a contract has not been signed ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup in America; a tournament the Saudi club failed to qualify for.
Al Hilal, on the other hand, will be the only Saudi Pro League club to feature in the new four-yearly tournament.
And amid rumours surrounding his next move, it was suggested that Ronaldo could complete a surprise move to Al Hilal on never-before-seen terms.
A report from Ben Jacobs on May 29 suggested central dealmakers had proposed a deal where Ronaldo renews at Al-Nassr, but first goes on loan to Al-Hilal for the Club World Cup, which takes place between June 14 and July 13.
“It is unclear if Ronaldo is open to this, while Hilal would prefer to add Victor Osimhen," Jacobs added. "Complicated situation, with clarity expected in the next ten days.”
After days of uncertainly, Ronaldo has now confirmed that he will not play at this month's Club World Cup after turning down offers from "some" participating teams.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's Nations League final between Portugal and Spain, he said: "I will not be at the Club World Cup. Some teams reached out to me. Some made sense and others did not, but you can't try and do everything. You can't catch every ball."
As well as speaking out on his future, Ronaldo touched on a number of subjects during his press conference, including Spain's Lamine Yamal.
"Lamine Yamal? I ask you to let the boy grow for the good of football," he said. "Let him grow calmly and take the pressure off him. You can help him by leaving him alone because he doesn't lack talent."
Ronaldo was also asked about the idea of retirement. “My mentality is to live day by day. I don’t have many more years to play but I’m enjoying the moment," he said. “There’s no day decided for my retirement. I feel happy, I’m here to enjoy and keep going until the day I like this."
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League
Jack Kenmare