From the height of his 40 years, Cristiano Ronaldo has started his 26e professional season in the ranks of Al-Nassr, in Saudi Arabia, after his debut at Sporting in 2002. Always thirsty for competition, the person concerned, willy-nilly, necessarily thinks of retirement. Many encourage him to do so. But the goleador still wants to give himself a little time to nourish his passion.
CR7 still has a big dream to accomplish: leading the Selecçao to the supreme coronation at the 2026 World Cup in the United States. “ We have to think about the present, match after match. Our goal is obviously to go to the World Cup and win, but we have to take things step by step », he breathes.
“I’m still passionate”
Tuesday evening, as part of the Portugal Football Globes gala which saw him inherit the Prestige prize, the captain of the Lusitanian selection recalled his pride in defending the colors of his country. “ It's a pride to play in the national team. I always feel the Portuguese by our side, whether the match is going well or badly, they always help us. I am sure that the next matches will go well and that we will qualify for the World Cup. »
Despite the honors that were reserved for him then, Cristiano Ronaldo refuted the thesis of an imminent retirement concerning him. “
This is not an end-of-career award. I see it as recognition of years of effort, dedication and ambition. I like to win, to help the new generations, and they also help me to maintain my level and to continue competing. That’s what motivates me, is to compete with the younger guys. I am still passionate about this sport. »
“I don’t have many years left…”
However, in his entourage, we would see the five-time Ballon d'Or that he is hanging up his crampons shortly. “ People, especially in my family, tell me, “It’s time to stop.” You have already accomplished everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals? » But I don't think like that. I think I'm still producing good things, I'm helping my club and the national team, so why not continue? »
Anxious to reach the highly symbolic threshold of 1000 career achievements while he now has 945 goals on the clock, the former Mancunian and Merengue announces the color thus: “ I know I don't have many years left, but I'm making the most of the few I have left. »
