Ahead of the January transfer window, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out any chance that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will sign with a new team in the Middle East.
Ronaldo still desires to compete at the highest level, according to Ancelotti, who does not see the former Manchester United star continuing his career in the Middle East.
Ronaldo’s contract with Manchester United was terminated prior to the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, leaving him a free agent at the moment.
The 37-year-old is currently in Dubai weighing his options for the upcoming season after receiving an offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr.
“This duel [Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry] gave motivation to both of them. In these years, they’ve been the main architects of the world of football, playing great and scoring many goals,” Ancelotti told Radio Anch’io Sport.
“Messi closes his career with the [2022 FIFA] World Cup, CR7 closes it differently, but it was extraordinary anyway.
“Especially here in Madrid, he’ll stay forever in the hearts of fans. I don’t know what he’ll do in his future, he still wants to compete at the highest level, and I don’t think the Arab world can be fit for him in this regard.”