Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he will retire “soon” and, while acknowledging the difficulty of concluding his illustrious career, he has been preparing for his life after football for quite some time.
The Al Nassr striker, who holds the record for the most goals scored with 952 for club and country combined, stated last month that he is aiming for 1,000 goals before hanging up his boots.
“Soon,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed when asked about his retirement timeline during an interview with Piers Morgan on Uncensored, published on Tuesday.
“I believe I will be ready for it. It will indeed be very, very challenging,” he remarked.
“However, I have been planning my future since I was 25, 26, or 27. I believe I will be capable of managing that pressure.
Nothing can match the adrenaline rush of scoring a goal in football.
“But everything has a beginning and everything has an end. I’m going to have more time for myself, for my family, to raise my kids.”
The former Manchester United forward says he still follows their results, despite bringing an unhappy second spell at the club to an end three years ago.
United endured their worst top-flight finish last season since they were relegated in 1973–74, coming 15th.
“I’m sad, because the club is one of the most important clubs in the world and a club that I still have in my heart,” Ronaldo said.