Al Nassr forced to cancel tour of China because of Cristiano Ronaldo

The 38-year-old has picked up a muscle injury that would have ruled him out of the double header against Shanghai Shenhua and Zheijang.

Sadly, for Ronaldo's adoring fans in the Far East, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will not feature in the two-game tour.

As a result of the injury, the decision has been taken to postpone both games and rearrange them for a future date as Ronaldo faces a possible two weeks in the treatment room.

The injury could also throw into doubt his much-anticipated reunion with Lionel Messi when Inter Miami travel to Saudi Arabia for the Riyadh Cup.

Speaking about his withdrawal, Ronaldo said: "As you know, in football some things you cannot control. I have played 22 years in football and I am a player that doesn't have too many injuries.

Read more on Ronaldo

Ronaldo's mammoth Saudi contract makes him fifth best paid athlete, with Woods second

Cristiano Ronaldo takes swipe at Ballon d'Or and FIFA Best awards after Lionel Messi wins

"So I'm really sad because Al Nassr and myself have come to China to enjoy the tour. I have been coming to China since 2003/2004, so I feel at home here - my second home.

"I felt that I am always special here. I feel sad. I know you are sad too, especially the people who love Cristiano, but we have to see this in a good way. We have not cancelled the game, we want to push for the game and be back here. We will be back.

"Unfortunately, I have some problems, but this is part of football and my life. I'm here, I'm with the fans, I'm with the Chinese people and we are going to continue here. We can see outside the people that are with us.

"We are sad because we knew this could happen. We will be back to make the Chinese people happy, this is my goal. I want to play for you. Don't be sad because I am sad and I hope you understand the circumstances of a football player."

Most read in Football

Kalvin Phillips set to join Premier League club having got just 89 minutes at Man City

Newcastle transfer news: Magpies eye Onana, Almiron exit, Trippier latest

Man United will block Al Nassr attempt to reunite star with Cristiano Ronaldo

Mohammed Kudus furious as Ghana on brink of AFCON exit with journalists blocking team bus

Al Nassr are currently on a mid-season break from domestic duties and had scheduled a host of fixtures, including the clash with Inter Miami on February 1.

Shirtless Cristiano Ronaldo shows off and flex his ripped body in weight training during Saudi Pro League break

Ronaldo and his teammates return to competitive action when they take on Al Feiha in the AFC Champions League on February 14.