Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that retirement may be on the horizon following his recent goal for Al-Nassr.
At 39 years old, Ronaldo is celebrated as one of the finest footballers in history, having netted an astounding 904 goals throughout his career.
The prolific forward has had an illustrious career with clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Additionally, he has represented Portugal on 214 occasions, scoring 132 goals in the process.
Currently, he plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, where he has managed to tally 64 goals and 17 assists in just 71 appearances.
Ronaldo’s most recent goal came on Monday night during Al-Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Qatari side Al-Rayyan in their second AFC Champions League fixture of the campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated he may be nearing retirement after his latest goal for Al-Nassr
The 39-year-old emphasizes that he is now focused on team success rather than personal accolades.
Post-match, Ronaldo expressed that he is contemplating retirement and noted he is placing less importance on individual trophies. ‘I’m just enjoying playing football now as I know I don’t have much time left on the pitch,’ he remarked.
‘It is not important to me now to be the best player or to win awards. What is important to me now is to enjoy and help my team.’
In a departure from his customary celebration style, Ronaldo pointed skyward after his goal—a tribute to his father on what would have been his 71st birthday.
Ronaldo dedicated his goal to his father, who passed away in 2005 at the young age of 52 due to an alcohol-related liver condition, when Ronaldo was only 20.
His recent comments on retirement follow an admission from weeks prior, where he acknowledged his career is approaching its twilight phase. While discussing on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, he shared, ‘I’m going to miss the adrenaline of scoring a goal, and (the feeling) of being nervous.’
‘I think I’m going to miss that because in other parts of my life, I can control things. I have good people around me, good business, and I am involved in many positive things.’
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered an emotional celebration following his goal for Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo previously admitted that he will ‘probably be a little lost’ once his career ends
‘But I will miss the adrenaline of football because it won’t exist again. This is why I am pushing myself to play on, possibly until I’m 40 or 41. I have dedicated my body to 25 years of football, and I know I can’t give more because age limits me.’
Despite being 39 and facing a challenging Euro 2024 campaign where he didn’t score and received criticism, Ronaldo asserts that he still has much to offer the sport.
‘This is why I take care of myself and continue to work hard,’ he commented. ‘I believe I can continue producing positive contributions for another two or three years.’
‘But beyond that, I’d rather not dwell on the future. Let me focus on the present and on planning for my other ventures, like my business interests.’
‘I know I will miss football, and I will probably feel a bit lost without it.’
