Ronaldo hints at retirement: ‘This is probably my last year of football’

The 41-year-old Portugal ​captain is one of the most ⁠decorated players of all time, winning major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current ‌club Al-Nassr since making his senior debut for Sporting in 2002. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Cristiano Ronaldo has fuelled speculation about his retirement plans after saying ​the upcoming year will probably be the last ‌of his playing career.

The 41-year-old Portugal ​captain is one of the most ⁠decorated players of all time, winning major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current ‌club Al-Nassr since making his senior debut for Sporting in 2002.

Ronaldo, ‌a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, was ‌unable ⁠to add a World Cup title ⁠to his list of honours after Portugal fell short at this year’s tournament, leaving the sport’s biggest ​prize absent from his ‌trophy cabinet.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told lifestyle ‌magazine Vogue in an interview published ​on Sunday.

The forward has scored 976 goals for club and country during ⁠a career spanning more than two decades.

“I have so many things to keep me ‌busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” he said.

“And also have more ‌fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which ​I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned—what we’ve earned. ⁠Because after all it’s been 25 years with ⁠a lot of sacrifice.”

Ronaldo will continue playing for Saudi Pro League club ‌Al-Nassr this season as he closes in on the milestone of 1,000 career ​goals.