According to Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada, loaning Cristiano Ronaldo before the FIFA Club World Cup would have been ‘completely counter-intuitive’.
After FIFA opened a new transfer window this month, Al-Hilal were linked to Ronaldo. Esteve Calzada refuted rumors that they were close to signing the forward.
Calzada added, “We don’t comment on players’ situations, especially when a player or agent wants to negotiate a better deal with his club or move out,” because our name is always out there.
“This transfer window has been strange and short. Don’t make a decision based on this tournament that you’ll have to live with for two or three years.
“As much as I respect Ronaldo as a huge player, as we all do, it’s counterintuitive to play with your biggest opponent’s biggest player. More so for three to four weeks.”
The Portuguese’s Al-Nassr contract expires in June without a new deal.
Ronaldo suggested he will stay at Al Nassr after Portugal’s thrilling UEFA Nations League final win over Spain.
“Future? None will change. Al Nassr? Yes,” Ronaldo told reporters after Portugal beat holders Spain 5-3 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Ronaldo, 40, joined Al-Nassr in 2022 and led the Saudi Pro League with 25 goals. In a 34-match league, his club finished third with 70 points, behind Champions Al Ittihad with 83 and Al Hilal with 75.
