Khaberni - Veteran Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel with his Saudi team, Al Nassr, to Baghdad to play against Al-Zawraa - tomorrow, Wednesday - in the second round of the AFC Champions League 2 football competition.
An official at the Iraqi club stated, "The list of Al Nassr Saudi players arriving in Baghdad included all players except Ronaldo."
Ronaldo (40 years old), who is named world player of the year five times, has led his team, Al Nassr, to the top of the Saudi league with a perfect score after achieving four consecutive victories in the first four rounds.
The source continued, "The delegation of Al Nassr Saudi club will arrive this Tuesday afternoon in the capital Baghdad and will train at Al-Karkh Club stadium in preparation for the match against Al-Zawraa on Wednesday."
Ronaldo did not appear in the pictures published by his club of the delegation departing to Baghdad.
Ronaldo Shocks the Iraqi Fans
Iraqi fans had been hopeful to see Ronaldo on their fields, but he will miss once again after withdrawing from the match that Al-Zawraa lost to Al Nassr 1-2 in the group stage of the 2023 AFC Champions League at Karbala International Stadium.
Al-Zawraa hopes to boost its successful start in the continental championship after winning its opening match against host Gokulam Kerala (India) 2-0.
The runner-up of last season's local league and the record holder of winning the Iraq championship (14 times), started this season without achieving its ambitions, as it missed victories in its matches against Al-Talaba and Al-Karma, settling for two draws 1-1 and 0-0, respectively.
Meanwhile, Al Nassr, which also won its opening match against Istiklol of Tajikistan 5-0 without Ronaldo, boasts a remarkable lineup of players.
Saudi reports earlier indicated that Ronaldo's absence from Al Nassr’s continental matches was based on a joint decision between the club management and the Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, as part of an agreement at the start of the season aimed at resting "The Don" from participating in a number of matches in the lower-ranked Asian tournament.
It is expected that Ronaldo will be rested in most of Al Nassr’s matches in the AFC Champions League 2, especially after the team failed to qualify for the elite AFC Champions League (the stronger and more competitive version of the tournament).
"The Don" ranks second in the top scorers' list with 4 goals, and he has been the top scorer of the Roshan League for the past two seasons.
Al-Zawraa management had arranged a luxurious accommodation for Ronaldo in the "Heart of the World" Hotel (the most luxurious hotel in Baghdad) after confirming his attendance with "Al-Alami" for the match against Al-Zawraa, a suite of 250 square meters, featuring a full view of the Tigris River, a jacuzzi in one of the bedrooms, a family cinema, and sports equipment for training.
