Cristiano Ronaldo drops retirement update after next job hint as superstar shows true colours
by Isaac Johnson · football.londonFormer Premier League icon Cristiano Ronaldo has not set a firm date for retirement but has indicated that it could be on the horizon.
The legendary forward showed his true colours as he scored a stunning bicycle kick and a penalty in Portugal's 4-1 Nations League victory against Poland on Friday to take his international goal tally to an impressive 135 in 215 appearances. Chelsea star Pedro Neto registered his second international goal in the match too.
Ronaldo, now 39 and playing for Al-Nassr, had previously expressed a desire to play into his 40s during his second spell at Manchester United in 2022. However, he is currently focused on enjoying his game rather than planning for retirement.
After Portugal's win in Porto, Ronaldo said: "I just want to enjoy. The plan for retirement? If it has to happen, in one or two years... I don’t know.
"I’m turning 40 soon... I really want to enjoy, as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire."
Ronaldo had previously made it clear that he would be the first to announce any decision regarding the end of his international career and hinted that his post-football life might not involve management.
In a conversation with Portuguese broadcasters NOW, Ronaldo remarked: "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.
"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."
He continued: "At the moment, I'm not thinking about being a coach of the first team or any team. 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."
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