SOCCER
Cristiano Ronaldo drops major retirement hint
Speaking to Portuguese media CR7 revealed that he could “finish soon” and that he expects to end his illustrious career in the Saudi Pro League.
After 22 years as a professional, Cristiano Ronaldo has given the clearest indication yet that he is looking ahead to a life after soccer.
The legendary forward turned 39 earlier this year and, despite his incredible longevity, is surely approaching the end of his illustrious career. Ronaldo’s Al Nassr recently embarked on the new Saudi Pro League season, where there are expected to challenge for the title once again.
CR7 will be eager to add more silverware to his vast trophy cabinet. However, in a recent conversation with Portuguese outlet NOW, Ronaldo revealed that he is already thinking about retirement: “I don’t know if I’ll finish soon or in two or three years. But, possibly, it will be at Al Nassr.”
He continued: “It’s the team where I’m happy, where I’m good, where I feel good, both in the country and in the league. That’s why, most likely I can finish my career at Al-Nassr. I’m very happy to play in the Arab league and I want to continue.”
Will Cristiano Ronaldo retire from international soccer?
Despite his advancing age Ronaldo remained Portugal’s starting striker for the recent European Championship in Germany. He came into the tournament after finishing as top goal scorer in qualifying, hitting ten goals in nine games.
However he struggled at the tournament itself, failing to score in five appearances as Portugal were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals. With such a talented group of attacking players fighting for spots in Robert Martinez’s starting XI, are Ronaldo’s days for the national team numbered?
Martinez is yet to confirm his team for the upcoming September international break but Ronaldo has not made any suggestion that he is about to step away from the national team. In fact, after Euros loss to France CR7 hinted that he was planning to continue with Portugal.
He wrote on Instagram: “We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far. On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honoured and will continue to be built. Together.”