Following speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo could join a certain Premier League side in the 2023/24 season, the team's manager has reacted to the reports.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that Ronaldo has a clause in his contract with Al Nassr that will see him join Newcastle United on loan next season if they qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
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It was said that the Al Nassr's relationship with the Saudi Public Investment Fund, who own the EPL club after their takeover in October 2021, would facilitate this deal.
Prior to the Tyneside club's 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Tuesday night, however, Magpies manager Eddie Howe insisted that any talk of Ronaldo making the switch to St James' Park was wide of the mark.
"We wish Cristiano all the best in his new venture, but there's no truth in that from our perspective," the Englishman said, per the Daily Mirror.
Newcastle broke their transfer record when they signed Sweden international Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for €70 million (R1.2 billion) in the previous transfer window, and many expect the Premier League side to make more statement signings in the coming windows.
Ronaldo, however, revealed during his Al Nassr unveiling on Tuesday that his time in Europe is over.
"So far, I'm feeling very good," the 37-year-old said, per the Daily Mirror.
"I'm so proud to make this decision in my life, and as you mentioned before, in Europe my work is done.
"I won everything, I played at the most important clubs, and for me, now, it is a new challenge in Asia."
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