Wydad Casablanca president reveals response from Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent when offered chance to play at Club World Cup
Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca's president, Hicham Ait-Menna confirmed that his club held talks with Cristiano Ronaldo over a potential move for the FIFA Club World Cup. However, they did not negotiate any deal as the Portuguese's agent said he wasn't interested.
Speaking at a press conference, Ait-Menna said that he contacted one of Ronaldo's agent friends a few months ago to see if a deal could be done. He said (via Africa Soccer):
"Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn't have come for the money because he doesn't need it. 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'. There were never any real negotiations for this player. We would have liked to have him, but financially we wouldn't have been able to pay the price he's worth."
Wydad attacker Nordin Amrabat was the first to reveal there were talks between Ronaldo and the club over a potential move. He told the media (via GOAL):
"The president is very ambitious and is still working with some very big names. It is true that Cristiano is one of them."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been pushing for Ronaldo to appear at the Club World Cup this summer. He also claimed that there were talks taking place behind the scenes. He said on a stream with iShowSpeed (via BBC):
"And Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup... who knows, who knows."
Al Hilal and Botafogo were also linked with Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is reportedly set to stay at Al Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo admits he might not make it to FIFA Club World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the media earlier this month and revealed that it was almost decided he would not play at the FIFA Club World Cup. He admitted that there were offers on his table, but they did not align with his goals and said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"It's almost decided that I will not take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals. There have been talks, contacts… but you have to think about short, medium and long term."
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to extend his contract at Al Nassr (via ESPN), which expires later this month. He joined the Saudi Pro League side in 2023 after his contract with Manchester United was terminated.