Portugal manager Fernando Santos insists he knows nothing about Cristiano Ronaldo's proposed move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
Ronaldo, 37, has reportedly agreed to join Al Nassr after the World Cup in Qatar ends later this month. The Portugal international, who is aiming to win the World Cup for the first time, is a free agent after leaving Manchester United by mutual consent last month.
The news is dominated by Ronaldo's alleged move to Saudi Arabia, but Santos claims the veteran forward is "completely focused on the World Cup" and they haven't discussed the alleged transfer because "it is his decision" and has nothing to do with Portugal.
Santos was asked about Ronaldo's transfer at a press conference on Monday. "I don't know, I haven't talked to him about it," said the Portugal boss. "I have spoken with the players but it has nothing to do with this issue. He didn't even know, he knew a little while ago.
"It is his decision, his question. He is completely focused on the World Cup, on helping the team."
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Ronaldo's United contract was terminated by mutual consent in November after a sensational interview with Piers Morgan, in which he criticised the club's owners the Glazers and boss Erik ten Hag. He also took aim at Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney and Ralf Rangnick.
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Ronaldo has struggled for goals this term - scoring just once in 10 Premier League games - and it's unclear whether any top European sides are interested in signing him due to his form and wage demands. Saudi clubs are likely to offer him a much bigger salary.
As reported by Marca, Al Nassr will pay Ronaldo a whopping €200million (£172.4m) per year to make him the world's highest-paid footballer. That works out at around £3.32m-a-week, which is much higher than the £500,000-a-week he was earning at Old Trafford.
To put the offer into perspective, Ronaldo was the highest-paid player in the Premier League during his second spell at United. He would undoubtedly be the biggest footballer ever to grace the Saudi Pro League - putting the division on the footballing map.
While Ronaldo's future remains up for debate, Santos is determined to lead Portugal to their first world title. Portugal won their first ever major honour under Santos' leadership - Euro 2016 - and are among the favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar.
They comfortably reached the last 16 of the ongoing tournament thanks to group-stage wins against Ghana and Uruguay and could set up a potential quarter-final clash against Spain with victory against Switzerland at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday night.
Ronaldo is one of the greatest players never to win the World Cup and Santos believes Portugal can keep their dream alive by beating the Swiss. He added, "It's tremendously difficult, we're two very strong teams. It's a tough game, but I think Portugal will win."
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