RIYADH: Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he plans to retire “soon,” admitting it will be emotionally challenging to end his legendary career but adding that he has been preparing for life after football for years.
The 40-year-old Al Nassr striker, who holds the world record with 952 goals for club and country, said last month that he hopes to reach 1,000 goals before retiring.
“Soon,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner when asked about his retirement timeline during an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored released Tuesday.
“I think I’ll be ready. It will be very, very difficult, but I’ve been preparing for this since I was 25 or 27 years old. Nothing will ever compare to the adrenaline you get from scoring a goal, but everything in life has a beginning and an end,” Ronaldo said. “After football, I’ll finally have more time for myself, for my family, and to raise my children.”
Speaking about Manchester United, where he ended his second stint in 2022 on a bitter note, Ronaldo said he still follows the club’s results. He expressed sadness over their current struggles, as the team finished 15th in the Premier League last season — their worst top-flight position since 1973–74.
“I’m sad because Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and it will always be in my heart,” Ronaldo said. “But they lack structure. I hope things improve soon, because the club’s potential is incredible. Right now, they are not on the right path — and it’s not just about the coach or players. The manager is doing his best, but miracles are impossible.”
