Due to a virus infection, Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel to Iraq with his Al-Nassr team for today’s AFK Champions League debut match in Al Shorta.
Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s club from Saudi Arabia, announced that the Portuguese striker is not feeling well due to a viral infection, and that the team doctor has confirmed that he needs to rest.
If Ronaldo recovers by Friday, September 20, he could make his debut in the AFK Champions League in a match against the Qatari club Al Rajan in Riyadh.
Fans across the region, particularly in Iraq, were eagerly awaiting Ronaldo’s visit, with tickets selling out quickly as soon as his name was confirmed on the squad list.
Despite his absence, Ronaldo has remained optimistic, sharing a message on social media expressing his disappointment at not being able to play and his hope of returning to the competition soon.
Al-Nassr’s coach, Luis Castro, reassured fans that Ronaldo’s recovery is being carefully managed, and he is expected to return to the pitch in the coming weeks.
Playing for Portugal in the League of Nations, Ronaldo recently reached a personal best of 132 international goals with goals against Croatia and Scotland.