At almost 41 years old (he will celebrate it on February 5), Cristiano Ronaldo remains efficient. This is evidenced by his 10 goals and two assists already accumulated in 11 outings in all competitions this season. However, the goleador knows himself well at the end of the course. And after having refused the inevitable for a long time, he is now willing to set deadlines.
During a video conference observed as part of a forum on Saudi tourism in Riyadh, the Portuguese striker confided that he would play the World Cup with the Selecçao across the Atlantic next summer and that this competition would be for him the last chapter in the international aspect of his rich career.
“ Yes, for sure, I will be 41 and I think that will be the time (to hang up his Portuguese crampons, editor’s note)”, says the five-time Ballon d’Or, who will therefore take part in his sixth World Cup after 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. A record which he should then share with his lifelong rival, the Argentinian Lionel Messi.
“Soon” retirement
Beyond this ultimate meeting, CR7 no longer hides its face. Total sports retirement is for “ Soon », he admits, certainly with death in his soul. “ Let’s be honest, when I say soon, I probably mean another year or two », He specifies while his current contract with Al-Nassr runs until June 2027.
At this time, Cristiano Ronaldo has 953 career goals, including 143 with the Portuguese selection (for 225 international caps and 1296 matches in total). And the person concerned has never hidden his desire to reach the symbolic mark of 1000 achievements. A completely achievable objective in the next 18 months given its cruising speed.
