Cristiano Ronaldo reveals retirement plans - and has no intention of being a manager

The 39-year-old Portugal forward also spoke of hanging up his international boots, saying it will be “a very spontaneous decision” on his part.

Pa Sport Staff
Tuesday 27 August 2024 07:11 EDT
Comments
Cristiano Ronaldo says he will probably retire “in two or three years” (Bradley Collyer/PA)
Cristiano Ronaldo says he will probably retire “in two or three years” (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he plans to end his career with current club Al Nassr – but probably not for another two or three years.

The Portugal superstar has dashed any hopes of a return to his first club Sporting Lisbon by confirming he plans to stay in Saudi Arabia until he retires.

“I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire here at Al Nassr,” Ronaldo told Portuguese channel NOW.

“I’m very happy at this club, I feel good in this country too. I’m happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue.”

Ronaldo moved to the Saudi Pro League in December 2022 following his acrimonious exit from Manchester United.

The 39-year-old started all of Portugal’s matches at Euro 2024, where they reached the quarter-finals before losing to France on penalties.

He intends to continue playing for his country, for now at least, and hopes to feature in the forthcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Poland.

“When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought-out one,” the former Real Madrid forward added.

“Right now what I want is to be able to help the national team in their upcoming matches.

“We have the Nations League ahead of us and I would really like to play.”

Ronaldo, currently on 898 career goals, also revealed he has no desire to go into management when he eventually hangs up his scoring boots.

“At the moment, I’m not thinking about being a coach of the first team or any team,” he said.

“It doesn’t even cross my mind, I’ve never thought about it. I don’t see my future going through that. I see myself doing other things outside of football, but only God knows what the future holds.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in