Cristiano Ronaldo has raised fresh questions over his future after admitting that the upcoming year will probably be the final one of his playing career.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain is among football’s most decorated players, winning major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting in 2002 and has enjoyed a career lasting more than two decades.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 976 goals for club and country and is closing in on the 1,000-goal mark.
However, he could not add a World Cup title to his honours after Portugal fell short at this year’s tournament.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told lifestyle magazine Vogue in an interview published on Sunday.
The forward admitted retirement would mean finding new ways to fill his time after football.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Ronaldo will remain with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr this season as he chases 1,000 career goals.
His comments have now raised the possibility that this campaign could mark the end of one of football’s longest and most decorated careers.
