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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ronaldo shares message for team-mates and fans</li><li>Misses out on AFC Champions League opener</li><li>Al-Nassr face Al-Shorta in Baghdad on Monday</li></ul>

Cristiano Ronaldo sends out 'special message' to fans after being ruled out of Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League clash against Al Shorta

Saudi Pro League

Al Nassr FC

Al Qadasiya

AFC Champions League Elite

Al Shorta

Al-Wasl

The 39-year-old has been <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/why-cristiano-ronaldo-not-playing-al-nassr-afc-champions-league-shorta-iraq/blt514e6e3fbdf5b718" target="_blank">ruled out of the AFC Champions League clash</a> against Iraq's Al-Shorta on Monday after being diagnosed with a viral infection. Ronaldo was advised to rest in Riyadh and as a result, he did not travel with the Al-Nassr squad to Baghdad.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ahead of the Saudi club's AFC Champions League opener on Monday, the Portuguese icon sent his best wishes to his team-mates and also shared a message for his fans in Iraq who were eager to catch a glimpse of their idol.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Taking to Instagram, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star uploaded a team photo on his story and wrote, "Wishing my teammates the best of luck for the game and special message to all my fans in Iraq. Hope to see you all soon."<picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blte5d7a32ce813bf0c/Snapinsta.app_459560015_18576122782056421_1471958210242510637_n_1024.jpg?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blte5d7a32ce813bf0c/Snapinsta.app_459560015_18576122782056421_1471958210242510637_n_1024.jpg?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blte5d7a32ce813bf0c/Snapinsta.app_459560015_18576122782056421_1471958210242510637_n_1024.jpg?format=jpg" alt="Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr " data-source="" data-copyright="Cristiano Ronaldo Instagram" data-portal-copyright="Cristiano Ronaldo Instagram" perform:prop="uuid:blte5d7a32ce813bf0c;width:1170;height:2080"></picture>

WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

The veteran forward will hope to recover before the club's next Saudi Pro League game which is against Al-Ettifaq on Friday night.

WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

Cristiano Ronaldo sends out 'special message' to fans after being ruled out of Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League clash against Al Shorta | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo sent his best wishes to Al-Nassr team-mates as he misses out on the club&apos;s AFC Champions League opener on Monday.

Cristiano Ronaldo sends out &apos;special message&apos; to fans after being ruled out of Al-Nassr&apos;s AFC Champions League clash against Al Shorta