Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted his career is gradually drawing to a close, but retirement isn't on the immediate horizon.
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Ronaldo not ready to retire yetBut admits there isn't much longerNext contract yet to be confirmedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo revealed at a press conference on Saturday, ahead of Portugal's UEFA Nations League final against Spain, that he doesn't believe he has "many more years" left as a professional footballer. When he eventually does retire it would leave a huge hole in the sport after a career that has spanned 23 years and counting.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Very few elite sportspeople continue beyond turning 40, with Ronaldo celebrating that milestone birthday in February. There is no denying that his level has dropped, enjoying a resurgence to his goal numbers only after moving to the Saudi Pro League at the start of 2023 and underwhelming for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. But his drive to extend his career this long ought to be hugely congratulated, although even Ronaldo – recently told he has the body of a 28-year-old – knows that the game won't last forever.
WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID
"My mentality is to live day by day," Ronaldo said. "I don't have many more years to play…but I'm enjoying the moment. There's no day decided for my retirement. I feel happy, I'm here to enjoy and keep going until the day I [don't feel] like this."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
Ronaldo looks set to stay at Al Nassr, despite recently teasing that he would be moving on, and has ruled out joining a team competing at the Club World Cup on a short-term deal. The length of his next contract could be major clue as to how the last stage of his career will unfold.