Al-Nassr

RIYADH – Cristiano Ronaldo put a timeline on his cryptic retirement hint on Tuesday, saying he will hang up his boots in “one or two years” after telling the world that he would be retiring soon.

The Portugal forward, who has scored over 950 goals for club and country, made his debut as a teenager at Sporting in 2002 and said in an interview that he would retire soon to spend time with his family.

Ronaldo extended his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr until 2027 in June and the 40-year-old Portuguese is also targeting next year’s World Cup, the only major title missing from his trophy cabinet.

“Soon for me means in 10 years… No, I’m joking,” Ronaldo said via video call at a Saudi-hosted global summit on tourism and investment.

“I’m really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick.

“I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team.

“But of course, let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”

With Portugal on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo confirmed the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be his swansong on football’s biggest stage.

“Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old (at the World Cup),” said Ronaldo, who is also the top scorer in history with 143 international goals.

“I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything, I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams.

“I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”

Ronaldo said he knows he will go down in history as one of the best players ever.

But can his son Cristiano Jr, who is following in his footsteps by playing for the Portugal Under-16 team, be a better player than his father?

“As human beings, we always don’t want anybody being better than us. But I wish my kids will be better than me. I’m never going to be jealous of him.

“I don’t want to add pressure to that, because what I want for him is to be happy. It doesn’t matter if you want to play football or play another sport.

“Be happy, be free. Don’t be with the pressure of your daddy because that is a lot.

“This is a new generation, a different generation. They think different, they live different.

“But as a father, I’m here to help him to be whatever he wants to be. I will be his support,” Ronaldo added. (Reuters/NAN)

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to extend his stay with Saudi pro side Al Nassr and is even ready to sign a new deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the Portuguese have dismissed rumours of leaving Al Nassr.

The post read, “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.

“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”

Recall that the 40-year-old on Sunday helped his national team to secure the Nation’s League for the second time four years after the Nation’s League was unveiled.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a record-breaking deal, has played a transformative role both on and off the pitch.

His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi football, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.

During his time at Al Nassr so far, Ronaldo has delivered impressive performances, scoring consistently and helping the club remain competitive at the top level. His presence has not only boosted the club’s visibility but also played a key role in the league’s growing popularity worldwide.

The announcement of his continued stay is seen as a significant boost for Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League as a whole. It also signals Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to the ambitious football project unfolding in the region.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to demonstrate his enduring prowess, scoring his 928th career goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.

The 40-year-old forward opened the scoring in the 4th minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance by his team.

Al-Nassr entered the match following a morale-boosting 3-0 win against Esteghlal Tehran in the AFC Champions League, where Ronaldo also found the net, marking his 927th career goal.

Earlier today, Ronaldo at 40 was in the Portuguese call-up team for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.

Building on this momentum, Al-Nassr showcased their attacking prowess against Al-Kholood.

Ronaldo’s early goal was complemented by additional strikes from his teammates, securing a comprehensive 3-1 victory.

This win reinforces Al-Nassr’s position in the league, as they aim to climb from their current fourth-place standing, with aspirations of securing the championship.

Ronaldo looking ahead

Ronaldo’s goal against Al-Kholood adds to his impressive tally, bringing him closer to the elusive 1,000-goal milestone.

His career achievements include five Ballon d’Or awards, the most for a European player, and he holds records for the most goals in the UEFA Champions League (140), UEFA European Championship (14), and international goals (135).

Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has maintained his exceptional form, consistently contributing to the team’s success both domestically and in continental competitions.

With this victory, Al-Nassr continues their pursuit of the Saudi Pro League title. Ronaldo’s leadership and goal-scoring ability remain pivotal to the team’s ambitions.

As he edges closer to the 1,000-goal mark, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate each match, witnessing a living legend’s journey toward an unprecedented milestone.