Cristiano Ronaldo says this season is likely to be his last as a player after a glittering career, with the 41-year-old planning to focus on his family after almost four years at Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo's Decision: A New Era for the Football Legend
Ronaldo's comments come after a glittering career that has seen him win league titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, as well as being crowned a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and a five-time Champions League winner. The Portugal captain has spent almost four years at Al-Nassr, where he has one year remaining on his contract.
The 41-year-old married his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, on Tuesday and is contemplating a future orientated around his family. Ronaldo told Vogue in an interview about his wedding, "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy."
A Legacy of Goals and Accolades
Ronaldo's decision comes as no surprise, given his age and the fact that he has spent almost four years in the Saudi Pro League. However, his comments do highlight the significance of his impending retirement. A five-time Ballon d'Or winner and five-time Champions League winner, Ronaldo is the all-time top goalscorer in men's international football, with 24 goals away from scoring 1,000 senior career goals.
Messi's Uncertainty: A New Era for the Football World
Ronaldo is not the only football legend to be contemplating retirement. His long-time rival Lionel Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or accolade a record eight times, recently said he was unsure how much longer he would continue playing football. The players' respective World Cup campaigns could hardly have looked more different as Messi scored eight goals and led Argentina all the way to the final, while Ronaldo's Portugal bowed out in the round of 16.
What's Next for Ronaldo?
Ronaldo's decision to retire from football will undoubtedly leave a big hole in the sport. However, it also presents an opportunity for him to focus on other pursuits. In the interview with Vogue, he mentioned that he plans to "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." With his long-time rival Messi also contemplating retirement, the football world is on the cusp of a new era, one that will undoubtedly be filled with excitement and uncertainty.
Source: Joy Online
