Cristiano Ronaldo's contract at new club Al Nassr does not "entail commitments to any World Cup bids", the Saudi club has said.
It was reported on Monday that the Portuguese star was expected to earn an additional €200 million on top of his already lucrative playing contract to promote Saudi Arabia's joint 2030 World Cup bid.
However, the Saudi Pro League leaders on Tuesday denied the claim and said that Ronaldo's focus was on helping the club achieve its goals.
"Al Nassr FC would like to clarify that contrary to news reports, Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Al Nassr does not entail commitments to any World Cup bids. His main focus is on Al Nassr and to work with his teammates to help the club achieve success," a club statement said.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr on a two-and-a-half year contract this month on a reported salary worth in excess of $200 million per year including commercial and sponsorship tie-ins.
After Qatar successfully hosted the 2022 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is said to be considering a bid to bring the tournament back to the Middle East.
"Ronaldo will be paid more than 200 million euros [$214 million] for the deal," AFP quoted a club source as saying Monday.
"He will be an ambassador for the Saudi World Cup 2030 bid for another 200 million."
Ronaldo is currently serving a two-match ban carried over from his previous club Manchester United, who he parted ways with in November after criticising officials and manager Erik ten Hag in a television interview.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus striker could potentially play his first match in a high-profile friendly against old adversary Lionel Messi and his team Paris Saint-Germain in Riyadh on January 19.
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Cristiano Ronaldo smiles at his official unveiling by Al Nassr football club at Mrsool Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. AP -
New Al Nassr signing Cristiano Ronaldo during his unveiling at Mrsool Park. Reuters -
New Al Nassr signing Cristiano Ronaldo waves to the fans at Mrsool Park during his unveiling. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo waves to fans. Reuters -
New Al Nassr signing Cristiano Ronaldo walks out on to the Mrsool Park pitch. Reuters -
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Mrsool Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for his unveiling as an Al Nassr player on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks during a press conference for his official unveiling at Al Nassr. AP -
Cristiano Ronaldo with Al Nassr club president Musalli Al Muammar at the press conference at Mrsool Park Stadium. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo attends a press conference during his official unveiling. Getty -
Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia unveils new signing Cristiano Ronaldo. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo at Mrsool Park Stadium. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo smiles during his official unveiling. AP -
Saudi club Al Nassr's new signing Cristiano Ronaldo during his unveiling at Mrsool Park, Riyadh. Reuters -
Al Nassr's new signing Cristiano Ronaldo with club president Musalli Al Muammar. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo during his unveiling as an Al Nassr player after his record deal with the Saudi club, which is said to be worth $200m a year. Reuters -
President of Al Nassr football club Musalli Al Muammar, centre, arrives at the Mrsool Park Stadium in Riyadh on Tuesday. AFP -
A man sells Cristiano Ronaldo flags and scarves ahead of his unveiling as an Al Nassr player on Tuesday. Reuters -
Vendors sell flags with Cristiano Ronaldo's number seven ahead of his official unveiling as a new Al Nassr palyer in Riyadh. AP -
A vehicle drives past a billboard welcoming Saudi football club Al Nassr's new signing - Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo - in Riyadh. AFP -
A billboard welcoming Cristiano Ronaldo in Riyadh. AFP -
Al Nassr club's new signing Cristiano Ronaldo after his arrival in Riyadh late on Monday night. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez after their arrival in Riyadh. AFP
