Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that his retirement from football is now “not far away,” as he knows it will not be easy to leave the sport that he has reigned over for two decades. The 40-year-old forward has revealed he has been planning for life without football for quite some time, even as he continues with impressive performances at Al Nassr.
When asked about retirement, Ronaldo replied “soon”
“I think I will be prepared. It will be very, very difficult,” he said in an interview on Piers Morgan’s Uncensored, published on Tuesday.
“But, I have prepared my future since 25, 26, 27 years old. I think I will be capable to support that pressure. Nothing will compare to the adrenaline you have to scoring a goal in football.
“But everything has a beginning and everything has an end. I’m going to have more time for myself, for my family, to raise my kids.”
Ronaldo, who is the all-time leading scorer in football history with 952 strikes for club and country, had recently stated a desire to reach 1,000 goals before retiring. And despite a glittering career that has taken him to many of the top clubs and leagues, the Portuguese legend admits hanging up his boots will be one of the toughest decisions of his life.
“I’m sad, because the club is one of the most important clubs in the world and a club that I still have in my heart,” Ronaldo said.
“They don’t have a structure. I hope that changes in the present and future, because the potential of the club is amazing.
The former Manchester United star also added that he still keeps an eye on his old club’s fortunes, even after his difficult second stint at Old Trafford ended three years ago. United, who endured their worst league campaign last season since being relegated in 1973-74, remain close to his heart despite the way things ended.
