Ronaldo’s scoring form has shown no signs of slowing down since moving to Saudi Arabia to play football 12 months ago. The player who won the World Golden Ball 5 times – Ballon d’Or was asked about his future yesterday (January 19, UK time). The former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker revealed he would end his career “early” but later insisted he was just “joking”.
While attending the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai (UAE), Cristiano Ronaldo shared about the time he retired: “To be honest, I don’t know when my career will end. Of course it will be soon. I mean soon, I mean 10 years from now. I’m just kidding! I don’t know, let’s see.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has less than 18 months left on his 2.5-year contract with Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United to join the Saudi Arabian club. When that contract expires, Ronaldo will turn 40, complete his second full season in Saudi Arabia and play in Euro 2024 with Portugal.
In 2020, former Portugal coach Fernando Santos revealed that Ronaldo will play until he is 40 years old, meaning CR7 will retire for at least another year. Speaking at the time, Santos told TVI24: “Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to play until he is 40 years old, but he doesn’t know if that will happen or not.
At some point, Cristiano Ronaldo may feel that he is no longer capable. He is not the type of player to lower his level, when he feels he cannot be Ronaldo, he will quit.”
Meanwhile, in early 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo also opened up about his plan to play until he is 40 years old. “A lot will depend on what I feel, on my motivation,” he said. Physically, that will never be a problem.
I’m treating myself well and I think I can play it safe until I’m 40. The most important factor, to be honest, will be more psychological, that will be the difference maker. No matter what, everything has a beginning and an end. I won’t last forever, but I still feel strong enough to keep winning. I will stop if I no longer have motivation.”
