Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement as he nears end of iconic career

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s all-time greats, has offered his most significant indication yet that his illustrious career may soon be coming to an end.

At 39 years old, the Portuguese superstar, currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, appears to be contemplating life beyond the football pitch.

After scoring in Al-Nassr’s 2-1 AFC Champions League victory over Al-Rayyan, Ronaldo acknowledged that his days as a professional footballer are numbered.

The legendary forward’s comments have sparked speculation about when he might hang up his boots, signaling that the end of an era is approaching for one of the sport’s most celebrated players.

“I’m just enjoying playing football now as I know I don’t have much time left on the pitch. 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,” Ronaldo said after the match.

Ronaldo has had a legendary career, playing for clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, while also scoring 132 goals in 214 appearances for Portugal.

Despite being 39, Ronaldo has continued to impress, with 64 goals and 17 assists in 71 games for Al-Nassr since his move to Saudi Arabia.

In a touching moment after his recent goal, Ronaldo dedicated the strike to his late father, José, on what would have been his 71st birthday. His father passed away in 2005 from an alcohol-related liver condition.

Ronaldo’s comments also follow a recent appearance on the “Rio Ferdinand Presents” podcast, where he reflected on how he will miss the adrenaline and pressure of scoring once he retires.

“I’m going to miss the adrenaline of scoring a goal, and (the feeling) of being nervous. But I give everything, to 40, 41, it doesn’t matter. I give my body for 25 years of football and I cannot give more because age doesn’t allow me to go further,” he shared.

Despite a difficult Euro 2024 campaign, where he faced criticism for failing to score, Ronaldo remains committed to the game.

“I know for two or three years more I can still produce something good. But after that, I don’t even want to think about it. Let me think in the present and prepare other parts, like my business area,” he added.