Eddie Howe, coach of the Newcastle United soccer team, said that Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently joined Al-Nasr Saudi Arabia, does not have a clause in his contract that allows him to join his team in the event of qualifying for the Champions League.
The Saudi victory included Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, following the latter signed a two-and-a-half-year contract following his departure from Manchester United.
According to reports published last Monday, the Portuguese striker requested a clause allowing him to move on loan to Newcastle, which is supported by a Saudi administration, in the event that he ends the current season among the Big Four.
However, Eddie Howe, while speaking before facing Arsenal on Tuesday, denied this.
“We wish Cristiano all the best for his adventure, but from my point of view that is not true,” Howe told Sky Sports.
Ronaldo is the historic top scorer in the Champions League, scoring 140 goals, and won the title once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid.
Ronaldo said in the press conference yesterday, Tuesday, that he will not join any other European club before his retirement.
He added, “In Europe I finished my job, I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe.”
