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‘There’s no truth to that from our perspective’: Eddie Howe shuts down talks that Cristiano Ronaldo has a clause with Al-Nassr that allows him to join Newcastle on loan if the Magpies qualify for next season’s Champions League
Eddie Howe has closed talks about the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo joining the Magpies on loan if they qualify for next season’s Champions League.
There have been reports that there was a clause in Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr that he could move to the Magpies if they finish in the top four this season.
Eddie Howe addressed those rumors when asked ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League game with Arsenal.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract at Al-Nassr reportedly has a Champions League clause
If Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United finish in the top four, Ronaldo will be able to join them.
He told Sky Sports: “We wish Cristiano all the best, but there is no truth to that from our perspective.”
In October 2021 the acquisition of the Tyneside club by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund was completed.
Over the past 15 months, they have invested heavily in players and have turned the club’s fortunes from relegation places to being in the right place for Europe’s premier club tournament.
The Magpies currently sit third in the Premier League, behind reigning champions Manchester City and Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Arsenal in the top spot.
Ronaldo could make his Al-Nassr debut against Al Ta’ee on Thursday, as Sportmail previously reported after the 37-year-old flew to the country for a medical.
Ronaldo was presented as an Al-Nassr player on Tuesday and could make his debut on Thursday
The Portuguese superstar was introduced as an Al-Nassr player on Tuesday after completing his medical, in which he spoke to the media and was introduced to fans.
Ronaldo said he had many offers following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United.
He said: ‘This contract is unique, but I’m a unique player, so for me it’s normal. I don’t really care what people say. I am very, very happy to be here. I am very proud to make a big decision in my life. My work in Europe is over. I won everything. I played in the most important clubs.
‘For me now, it’s a new challenge in Asia. I am grateful that Al Nassr has given me this opportunity to develop not only football, but also for the young generation, the generation of women. I want to change the mentality of the new generation.’
Ronaldo also revealed that he was offered to move to Australia and the United States, but he had given his word to the Saudi team.
“I had many opportunities in Europe and many clubs in Brazil, Australia, the United States and even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me. But I gave my word to this club.