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The Portuguese star declined the offer, explaining that he was focused on preparing for the upcoming season.
CA River Plate Training Session And Press Conference - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
WHAT HAPPENED?
River Plate head coach Marcelo Gallardo revealed on Friday that he personally reached out to Cristiano Ronaldo in an informal attempt to convince the Portuguese star to play in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup for the Argentine giants.
Speaking to ESPN ahead of River’s key clash against Monterrey at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, Gallardo shared the behind-the-scenes story.
“Back in mid-March, through a mutual friend, I casually asked him, ‘Hey, I’ve got a Club World Cup coming up - any interest in playing it? It’s a tournament made for someone like you, who’s left such a mark on the game,'” Gallardo recalled.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to Gallardo, Ronaldo appreciated the gesture and gave the proposal some thought before ultimately turning it down.
“He felt honored and took time to consider it, but in the end he told me, ‘I have to focus on preparing for next season,’” the former River player and longtime manager added.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Cristiano had previously hinted at this approach during a press appearance, noting that he had received an invitation from “a club in Argentina” to participate in the Club World Cup - without naming names.
Gallardo addressed that moment: “It was such an informal conversation that it would’ve stayed completely private, like many things do, if he hadn’t brought it up himself. That’s why it came to light - he chose to make it public.”
This isn’t the first time Gallardo has crossed paths with Ronaldo. The two shared a brief working experience when Gallardo coached an Arab League All-Star team in a friendly match, where Ronaldo was one of the players.
“I had the chance to coach him in that exhibition game in Saudi Arabia. Beyond being a top professional, he’s also a great person. We kept a nice connection afterward,” Gallardo said.
CA River Plate v Urawa Red Diamonds: Group E - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
WHAT NEXT FOR RIVER PLATE?
River Plate are set to face Monterrey this Saturday in a crucial Club World Cup group stage match. The Argentine side comes into the game following a 3-1 win over Urawa Reds, while Monterrey earned a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan.
[(Monterrey) Strength]: 1. Monterrey lost to FC Cincinnati in the first round, ranking only 12th in the table. They have to win this game for a qualification spot, indicating full motivation.2. Veteran Sergio Canales scored a goal in the last game, once helping the team tie the game.3. Monterrey won 2 of the last 3 games in AH, revealing recent performances in line with expectations.[(Monterrey) N...
[(Molde FK) Strength]: 1. Molde FK are 13th in the league table, facing a risk of entering the relegation zone. Thus, they aim to take 3 points in this home game.2. Molde FK won 4-1 over Stromsgodset in the last league game at home, ending their 3-game losing streak and boosting their morale.3. In the last 5 encounters between both sides, Molde FK have the upper hand with 4 wins and 1 loss.4. The ...
[(KFUM-Kameratene Oslo) Strength]: 1. KFUM-Kameratene Oslo are 9th in the league table. Facing 5th-placed Rosenborg, they are eager to grab points in this game.2. KFUM-Kameratene Oslo won 3 league games in a row lately, with high morale. They secured a commanding 5-0 away win over Kristiansund BK in the last league game.3. KFUM-Kameratene Oslo were unbeaten with 3 wins and 1 draw in the last 4 hom...
[(Guadalajara Chivas) Strength]: 1. Guadalajara Chivas lost to New York Red Bulls in the first round. They have to go all out to win this game, if they want a qualification spot, indicating full motivation.[(Guadalajara Chivas) Neutral]: 1. Guadalajara Chivas scored 4 goals and conceded 5 in the last 3 games, revealing decent attack but unstable defense.2. Both sides have never met before, and thi...
[(HJK Helsinki) Strength]: 1. HJK Helsinki were unbeaten in the last 5 games, showing outstanding recent form.2. HJK Helsinki scored 13 goals in the last 5 games, averaging nearly 3 goals per game and indicating full offense.3. HJK Helsinki have the upper hand with 37 wins, 24 draws, and 14 losses in 75 encounters between both sides.4. HJK Helsinki won 4 of the last 5 games in AH, performing over ...
[(Santos FC) Strength]: 1. Alvaro Barreal scored 4 goals for Santos FC in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A this season, the top scorer of the team.2. Tiquinho made 3 assists for his side in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A this season, the top assist of the team.3. Santos FC won the last 2 encounters between both sides, giving them a better mentality.[(Santos FC) Weakness]: 1. Santos FC were win...
[(Valerenga) Strength]: 1. Valerenga are 16th in the table, only one point ahead of the relegation zone. They are motivated to take points to move up in this game.2. Mathias Grundetjern scored a goal in the last game, once helping the team tie the game.3. Valerenga were unbeaten with 1 win and 1 draw in the last 2 home games, performing well at home lately.4. In the last 10 encounters between both...
[(Stromsgodset) Strength]: 1. Stromsgodset are only 2nd from the bottom of the table. They urgently need to take points to move up, showing full motivation in this game.2. Marko Farji played 16 league games this season, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists. He is important in the team's attack.3. Stromsgodset were unbeaten with 2 wins and 1 draw in the last 3 encounters between both sides, givi...
[(FC Akron Tolyatti) Strength]: 1. FC Akron Tolyatti showed multiple scorers on offense, having 5 players who scored in two league games in the new season.2. FC Akron Tolyatti forward Gilson Tavares scored a brace in the last Russian Cup game. He is expected to perform well in this league game.3. FC Akron Tolyatti won 2-1 over Baltika Kaliningrad in the last Russian Cup game at home. They were unb...
[(Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas) Strength]: 1. As the defending champions, Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas are only 7th with 26 points, far away from the top team. To get back into the title race, the team must go all out to earn points, so their desire to win is beyond doubt.2. Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas forward Arthur Cabral has performed impressively since joining from SL Benfica this summer, ...
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