Cristiano Ronaldo denies rumours of influencing Otavio to join Al-Nassr

RIYADH (Saudi Arabia), July 17 (ANI): Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly called his 28-year-old compatriot Otavio to try and convince him to join him at Al-Nassr, but on the sidelines of Al-Nassr’s friendly match against Farense on Friday, Ronaldo rubbished the claims.

According to Goal.com Ronaldo told reporters: “Many players are spoken about, I do not speak because I am not an agent. Otavio is spoken about, like 10 or 15 others who have spoken, but there is still no news. Obviously, we are going to strengthen the team, but there are no names yet.”

When asked if his club has closed a deal for Otavio, Ronaldo said: “Totally a lie. They [the media] release the news, but nothing has been finalized. We know that we are going to reinforce, that is clear, but still nothing concrete.”

Al-Nassr is looking to strengthen after they missed out on the Saudi Pro League title by five points in Ronaldo’s first season at the club. A number of big European names including fellow Portuguese international Ruben Neves have joined Saudi clubs this summer.

Brazilian-born Otavio has been at Porto for nine years now and still has two years remaining on his current contract. If Ronaldo wants to link up with his Portugal team-mate at club level then Al-Nassr will have to pay his 31 million pound release clause. (ANI)