Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement as Early as Next Year

Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked fresh speculation about his retirement from the game, with the Portuguese football star saying that next year could be his last.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain is one of the most successful players in the history of world football. He has won numerous prestigious trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nasr since making his professional debut for Sporting CP in 2002.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to achieve the desired success for Portugal at this year’s World Cup, leaving only the World Cup trophy untouched in his illustrious trophy cabinet.

“This is probably going to be my last year in football. I want to leave the game with a spectacular contribution,” Ronaldo said in an interview published in fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue on Sunday.
The Portuguese superstar scored a total of 976 goals for club and country in a career spanning more than two decades.

Regarding his post-retirement plans, Ronaldo said, “There are so many things to keep yourself busy with that it’s hard to say anything specific. Leaving football will leave a big void in your life that you will have to fill in many ways – it’s not enough to just focus on one thing.”

He added, “It’s time to have some fun, travel more and enjoy my favorite sport, paddle. It’s time to enjoy what we’ve achieved—or what we’ve achieved—over the years. Because it’s been 25 years of sacrifice.”

Ronaldo, who is on the verge of reaching the unique milestone of 1,000 career goals, will continue to play for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nasr this season.