Cristiano Ronaldo has finally addressed the lingering question on the minds of soccer fans and pundits alike: when will he retire?
What are Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement plans?
The 39-year-old Portuguese superstar, who has enjoyed one of the most illustrious careers in the history of the sport, has no intention of sharing that information ahead of time.
In a recent interview, Ronaldo made it clear that his retirement will come as a surprise to everyone.
“When I leave the national team, I will not tell anyone; it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part,”Ronaldo said during an interview with Portuguese channel NOW.
This statement comes at a time when many have speculated that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner might soon hang up his boots, especially after a goalless performance in Portugal’s recent UEFA Euros campaign, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
Despite the speculation, Ronaldo remains committed to his national team duties.
“What I want now is to be able to help the national team,” he added, signaling his desire to continue playing for Portugal as they prepare for the upcoming Nations League matches under coach Roberto Martinez.
Interestingly, Ronaldo also dismissed the idea of moving into coaching once his playing days are over.
“At the moment, I’m not thinking about being a coach of the first team or any team. It doesn’t even cross my mind, I’ve never thought about it. I don’t see my future going through that,”Ronaldo stated, making it clear that his post-retirement plans do not involve staying in the football world in a managerial role.
CR7 looking for ventures outside of soccer
Instead, Ronaldo hinted at pursuing other ventures outside of soccer.
He has already made significant strides in building his brand and expanding his business interests, including launching a successful YouTube channel.
“I see myself doing other things outside of football, but only God knows what the future holds,” he remarked, leaving fans curious about what the next chapter of his life will look like.
For now, Ronaldo’s focus remains on his current commitments, including upcoming matches with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and potentially representing Portugal in their Nations League opener against Croatia on September 5.
As for his retirement, it appears that fans will have to wait for a surprise announcement that could come at any time.