Cristiano Ronaldo to visit White House to discuss world peace with Donald Trump

Cristiano Ronaldo’s expressed wish to meet with United States President Donald Trump is now becoming a reality. 

The Portuguese football star is scheduled for a rare return to the US, with a planned visit to the White House on Tuesday.

The visit coincides with the scheduled meeting between President Trump and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, whom the President noted he would be "honouring."

According to a report by the US publication MS NOW, the meeting between Ronaldo and Trump has been confirmed by three White House officials.

While the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the US is a likely topic, Ronaldo recently told Piers Morgan that his "main objective" is to discuss world peace.

"If the world is at peace, that's our goal," Ronaldo stated in the interview. "He's one of the people who can change or help change the world. And that's my main objective: to meet Trump and talk about world peace."

Ronaldo expressed his respect for the President, saying, "I think he can make things happen, and I respect people like that." He added, "I hope the world finds a path to peace soon... And someday, if I get the chance to sit down with him, I'll tell him what we have in common."

Ronaldo's last played on US soil in 2014 for Real Madrid. His next potential appearance is set for March next year when Portugal plays a friendly against the US national team.

This return comes amidst drama surrounding a looming international ban. Ronaldo was recently given a three-match suspension after being sent off for elbowing Dara O’Shea in a game against Ireland. He has already missed one match (against Armenia) and is set to miss the first two games of next summer’s World Cup tournament.