Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked speculation over his future after suggesting that the upcoming season could be the last one of his professional career.
The 41-year-old made the comments in an interview with Vogue as he reflected on what life might look like once he steps away from the field that has defined much of his adult life.
Having won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr since beginning his senior career at Sporting in 2002.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, was unable to add a World Cup title to his list of honors after Portugal fell short at this year’s tournament, unable to add football’s biggest international prize to his long list of honors.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told lifestyle magazine Vogue in an interview published Sunday.
However, the forward still has unfinished business on the field. Ronaldo has scored 976 goals for club and country and is closing in on 1,000, a milestone that would add another remarkable achievement to a career spanning more than two decades.
“I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” he said.
“And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned-what we’ve earned. Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”
He is expected to remain with Al-Nassr for the upcoming Saudi Pro League season, meaning fans will have at least one more campaign to watch one of football’s most recognizable figures before he potentially calls time on his playing days.
