Portuguese International and Al Nassr striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, has said he will retire “soon”.
While he admits it will be difficult to bring his glittering career to an end, the 40-year-old has been planning for his post-football life for some time.
Ronaldo is the all-time leading goalscorer with 952 goals for club and country combined, and said last month he is targeting 1,000 goals before quitting the game.
“Soon”, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said when he was asked when he would hang up his boots.
“I think I will be prepared. It will be very, very difficult,” he said in an interview published on Tuesday. “But, I have prepared my future since I was 25, 26, 27 years old. I think I will be capable to support that pressure.
“Nothing will compare to the adrenaline you have to 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 said 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,” he added.
“They don’t have a structure. I hope that changes in the present and future, because the potential of the club is amazing.
“They are not on a good path. And it’s not only about the coach and players, in my opinion… He (manager Ruben Amorim) is doing his best. What are you going to do? Miracles are impossible.”
Reuters.