Chelsea urged to swerve 'gimmicky' Cristiano Ronaldo transfer for Club World Cup as Premier League legend aims 'he doesn't run' dig at Al-Nassr superstar

Chelsea are all set to compete in the expanded version of the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. next month. They have been drawn in Group D alongside Flamengo and ES Tunis and will play their first match of the tournament on June 16 against the winner of the playoffs clash between Club America and LAFC.

There has been speculation over Ronaldo returning to England in the summer to sign for a club that is competing in the Club World Cup. With Manchester City and Chelsea representing the Premier League, there are rumours about the Al-Nassr star joining one of the two clubs. Former Premier League star Chris Waddle, however, feels that the 40-year-old returning to European football would only be a "gimmick" and has discouraged the Blues from making such a move.

Speaking to yaysweepstakes.com, the former Tottenham and England star said: "Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Chelsea, it would be great publicity for the football club, but no. I've seen him play for Al-Nassr, watched him play with Jhon Duran up front. He doesn't really run around a lot. We know he's got ability when he gets the ball to his feet, but this tournament would be a lot harder than what he's playing week in, week out in Saudi Arabia.

"Let him rest there and have his holiday. He'll go again next season. But I think it would be all sort of a publicity stunt. Of course, he wants to play in some tournament where it's another goal, another tick. But listen, if it means resting players for the Premier League, then I'm all for it, but it’d seem like a gimmick to me."

Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side will be next seen in action on Thursday as they take on Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final, having won the first leg 4-1 away from home.