By Ireti Asemota.
In a candid Piers Morgan Uncensored interview, Cristiano Ronaldo shared his thoughts on retirement, life after football, and his enduring love for the game—at age 40 and with an unmatched 952 career goals.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, currently under contract with Al Nassr until 2027, admitted the end of his legendary career is approaching—but he’s ready.
“Soon,” Ronaldo said when asked about hanging up his boots. “But I think I will be prepared.”
Emotional Farewell Ahead
The Portuguese icon didn’t shy away from the emotional toll:
“It will be tough, of course. Difficult? Yes. Probably will cry, yes. I’m an open person. It will be very, very difficult.”
Yet, Ronaldo revealed he’s been planning for this moment since his mid-20s:
“I prepare my future since 25, 26, 27 years old. So I think I will be capable to support that pressure.”
Life After Football: Family, Padel, and New Passions
Ronaldo knows nothing will replace the thrill of scoring:
“Nothing will be able to compare [to] the adrenaline we have for football to score a goal.”
But he’s looking forward to a new chapter:
“Everything has a beginning, and everything has an end. I have other passions. I’m going to have more time for me, more time for my family to raise my kids.”
He’s especially focused on guiding Cristiano Jr. and Mateo, both showing early football talent:
“I want to follow Cristiano Junior—he’s at an age when kids do stupid things. I was the same. Mateo loves football as well.”
Off the pitch, Ronaldo is embracing leisure:
“I want to do more fun things. I love playing Padel with my closest friends. We are getting quite good.”
From Sporting to Al Nassr: A Legendary Journey
Ronaldo’s career began at Sporting Lisbon, followed by iconic stints at:
Manchester United (first spell: 3 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League)
Real Madrid
Juventus
After rejoining United in 2021 and departing in 2022, he made a historic move to Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr.
Message to Manchester United Fans: “No Miracles” from Ruben Amorim
Despite leaving Old Trafford acrimoniously, Ronaldo still follows Manchester United closely—especially under his former Portugal teammate, Ruben Amorim, now in his second year as manager.
But he issued a reality check:
“He’s doing his best. What are you going to do? Miracles? Miracles are impossible.”
Ronaldo believes deeper issues persist:
“They have good players but some don’t have in mind what Manchester United is. The club is still in my heart… but we have to be honest—they are not in a good path.”
“It’s not only about the coach and players. They need to change.”
