Cristiano Ronaldo has fuelled speculation over his retirement after saying the upcoming year will probably be the last of his playing career.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain is one of football’s most decorated players, having won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting in 2002 and has enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 976 goals for club and country and is now closing in on the 1,000-goal milestone.
However, Ronaldo was unable to add a World Cup title to his list of honours after Portugal fell short at this year’s tournament.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told lifestyle magazine Vogue in an interview published on Sunday.
The forward acknowledged that retirement would require him to find new ways to occupy his time after football.
“I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” he said.
“And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned—what we’ve earned. Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”
Ronaldo will continue playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr this season as he pursues the landmark of 1,000 career goals.
His comments have raised the prospect that the current campaign could be the final chapter of one of football’s longest and most decorated careers.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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