Will Cristiano Ronaldo travel to India for Al-Nassrs AFC Champions League 2 clash against FC Goa?
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr will take on ISL side FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Wednesday. However, will the Portuguese icon travel to India for the game?
New Delhi: Will Cristiano Ronaldo travel to India? That is the question on every Indian football fan's mind ever since Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa were drawn against Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the Group D of the AFC Champions League 2. Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr are scheduled to take on FC Goa at the JLN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Wednesday, October 22.
However, Ronaldo is reportedly unlikely to travel to India for the much-awaited game. The Portuguese icon, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr, has been in terrific form for the club and has been consistently bagging goals for his team. However, he won't be in the travelling squad for Al-Nassr's trip to India.
As per Saudi Arabia's sports newspaper Al Riyadhiah, Ronaldo will not travel to India for the FC Goa match despite multiple requests from the management of the ISL side.
Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not travelling to India?
There could be multiple reasons behind Ronaldo not travelling to India for the FC Goa game. Al-Nassr have already won their first two matches in the AFC Champions League 2 and are currently sitting on top of the Group D standings with six points from two matches. They defeated Istikol 5-0 in their opening game in the competition before beating Al-Zawraa 2-0 in their second game.
Al-Nassr won both their matches without Ronaldo in the XI and will be confident of making it three wins in a row against FC Goa without requiring the services of the legendary forward. It is also understood that Ronaldo has a clause in his contract with Al-Nassr which allows him to pick and choose matches that he wants to play outside Saudi Arabia.
Another reason could be workload management. At 40, Ronaldo continues to go strong for Al-Nassr in a competitive Saudi Pro League, which features some of the best players from around the globe. However, with a focus on the FIFA World Cup next year, Ronaldo would be wary of avoiding extra travel to manage his workload properly and avoid fatigue and injuries.
Al-Nassr are expected to arrive at the Dabolim international aiport in Goa on Monday ahead of their clash against FC Goa on Tuesday. After playing FC Goa, Al-Nassr will head back to Saudi to take on Al Ittihad in the round of 16 clash in the Kings Cup on October 28.