Al-Hilal CEO: Ronaldo loan “completely counter-intuitive” due to rivalry

Al-Hilal chief executive Esteve Calzada has discussed the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo joining the Saudi club on loan ahead of the Club World Cup.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Calzada explained that such a move would have been "completely counter-intuitive" due to the direct rivalry with the Portuguese striker's current club Al-Nassr.

Al-Hilal were linked with a possible deal to sign Ronaldo, 40, following the opening of an additional transfer window due to FIFA's tournament reshuffle.

However, the manager clarified that the club does not usually comment publicly on player situations, as his name often comes up in rumours when a player or his agent seeks to improve contractual conditions or force an exit.

Calzada highlighted the particularity of the current transfer window, describing it as "a very weird transfer window, it's a very short period of time."

He added that it would not be logical to make a decision with only the tournament in mind, when the consequences could extend over the next two or three years.

The executive expressed his respect for Ronaldo's career, but insisted that "as much as I respect Ronaldo as a huge player, as we all recognise he is, it's certainly completely counter-intuitive that you bring the biggest player of your biggest opponent to play with you."

With these statements, Al-Hilal is seeking to put the rumours to rest and make it clear that the arrival of the Portuguese star was never seriously contemplated.