DistantNews
Support us
🇬🇭 Ghana /Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement After Upcoming Year

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that the upcoming year might be his last playing professional football.
  • The 41-year-old Portuguese captain has enjoyed a decorated career, winning major trophies with multiple clubs since his debut in 2002.
  • Ronaldo expressed a desire to leave a "spectacular legacy" and plans to fill his post-football time with various activities, including travel and playing padel.

Cristiano Ronaldo has fueled speculation about his retirement, hinting that the upcoming year could mark the end of his illustrious playing career. The 41-year-old Portuguese star, widely regarded as one of the most decorated players in football history, has achieved significant success with clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and his current team, Al-Nassr.

This is probably my last year of football and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.

— Cristiano RonaldoSpeaking about his potential retirement plans in an interview with Vogue.

Since making his senior debut for Sporting in 2002, Ronaldo has amassed a remarkable trophy cabinet, though a World Cup title remains absent from his list of honors. In an interview with lifestyle magazine Vogue, published on Sunday, he stated, "This is probably my last year of football and I want to leave a spectacular legacy."

Ronaldo, who has scored 976 goals for club and country over more than two decades, acknowledged the significant void football's departure might leave. He emphasized the need to fill his time with diverse activities rather than a single pursuit. "You have to fill your time in various ways, not just one," he explained.

I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.

— Cristiano RonaldoDiscussing how he plans to occupy his time after football.

Looking beyond his football career, Ronaldo expressed a desire for more enjoyment and travel. He also mentioned his interest in playing padel, a sport he particularly enjoys. "And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned what we’ve earned. Because, after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice," he added. Ronaldo is currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr as he approaches the milestone of 1,000 career goals.

And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned what we’ve earned. Because, after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.

— Cristiano RonaldoDetailing his post-football aspirations and reflecting on his career.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog