By Samuel A. November 16, 2024
Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo hinted on Friday night after the game against Poland that he could retire in the next one or two years, but has insisted that he will not move into management when he hangs his boots up. The Portuguese forward, who still represents Al Nassr at club level in the Saudi Pro League, will turn 40 in February, however, despite his age, the veteran is still scoring goals on the international stage, with a brace in his country’s 5-1 win over Poland including a spectacular overhead kick taking his career tally to 910 goals.
The victory means that Roberto Martinez’s side have reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Nations League. Portugal’s final Nations League tie is against Croatia on Monday, but Ronaldo will play no part in that, instead returning to the Middle East. Other players that’ll not be playing on Tuesday include Pedro Neto and Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes will be missing through suspension.
Speaking to reporters after the game, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker said: “I just want to enjoy myself”. “Plan for retirement? If it has to happen, in one or two years. I don’t know. I’m turning 40 soon”.
“I really want to enjoy it, as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire. I don’t see myself managing a team, that’s not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens.”
Ronaldo has been prolific since his arrival at Al Nassr, scoring 74 goals in 85 games for the Saudi side, and he has six in the league this term. “I don’t see myself managing a team; that’s not in my plans,” he said. “My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens.”
