Cristiano Ronaldo reveals when he plans to retire (Image: UR Cristiano (YouTube))
Cristiano Ronaldo has said he wants to continue playing beyond the age of 40 and has redoubled his efforts to achieve a major goal. After his brace for Al-Nassr on Tuesday, the Portuguese superstar is now just one goal away from reaching 900 career goals.
Speaking to his former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo said his main goal is to reach 1,000 career goals, suggesting he has no intention of hanging up his boots anytime soon. “One thing I've learned over the last few years is [to] “Enjoy the moment. Live in the moment because you don't know what's going to happen tomorrow,” the legendary striker said on his YouTube channel UR Cristiano.
“I know I'm still fit, I feel like I can still dribble, score goals, shoot, jump. The day I start to feel like I can't produce anything, I'll pack my bags and leave.”
Not shying away from speaking his mind, he went on to defend his recent performance: “I scored 60 goals. [last] season, but I haven't scored in five games at the Euros and people are asking: 'What's going on? What's the problem?' [But] I got 130 [goals for Portugal]I am the [best goalscorer at international level] in world history.
“Soon I will do it [score] 900 [career goals]and after that I will exceed 1000. I want to get there.” Ferdinand asked him how old he thought he would be when he reached his goal, and Ronaldo replied: “41? I don't know. That's why I told you I wanted to leave the present.
“But if I don't have any injuries, that's the most important thing. I want [to reach 1,000 goals]For me, it's the best grade I can get in football.”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – AUGUST 22: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Raed at Al Awwal Park Stadium on August 22, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
Ronaldo is the player who has scored the most goals in competitive football history. His eternal rival, Lionel Messi, follows closely behind him with 838 goals. In third place is the great Brazilian Pelé, who is credited with 762 goals. However, Pelé's goal total is controversial, as many were scored in unofficial matches.
In a light-hearted joke at the three-time World Cup winner, Ronaldo told Ferdinand: “There is a difference [with my goals record]. Every goal I've scored has a video. So I can prove it. [they happened]” . “
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player also hinted that he plans to end his career at Al-Nassr. “I don't know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but I will probably retire here at Al-Nassr,” he told Portuguese outlet Now. “I am happy at this club. I feel good in this country too. I am happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue.”
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has made a bold prediction about Ronaldo's potential third stint at Old Trafford, despite his unceremonious departure in 2022. “Cristiano Ronaldo has the passion and dedication to come back to Manchester United one day,” Saha told TVSporten. “It could be as a coach or even as a manager.”
The Frenchman believes Ronaldo left with “unfinished business” due to a disappointing end to his second spell at the club. “It didn't end the way everyone had hoped, and you can understand why that frustrated him. He didn't see the same formula and didn't see the passion from the young players that he was used to seeing.”
Ronaldo made 346 appearances and scored 145 goals during his two memorable spells with the Red Devils. However, his final spell was marred by tensions, culminating in his dismissal from the team by manager Erik ten Hag. The situation came to a head after Ronaldo made explosive statements to Piers Morgan, criticising the manager and the club hierarchy, and shortly after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1941536/Cristiano-Ronaldo-al-nassr-retirement-man-utd