Cristiano Ronaldo has said he believes this year will “probably” be his last as a professional footballer, in an interview with Vogue magazine published on Sunday. The 41-year-old Portuguese star, who has scored more than 950 goals for club and country, had previously spoken of retiring “soon” or within “one or two years.”
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” he told Vogue, adding that his plans after football were “all mapped out.”Ronaldo said he has enough interests to fill the void football will leave, citing travel and padel among his favourite pursuits. “Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” said the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward.
The comments come days after Ronaldo married his longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez in an intimate ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, on Tuesday. He told Vogue he wants to “continue to enjoy what I’ve earned — what we’ve earned,” pointing to 25 years of sacrifice behind his career.
Ronaldo led Portugal to the last 16 at this summer’s World Cup, his final appearance at the tournament. He is now expected to rejoin his club, Al Nassr, for the new Saudi Pro League season.
