Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped hints that he could end his illustrious career as early as next year.
The Portugal football superstar, who plies his trade for Italian Serie A champions Juventus, is 34 years old now.
“I don’t think about that,” Ronaldo told TVI as reported by Goal when asked about his retirement plans.
“Maybe I can finish my career next year... but I can also play up to 40 or 41,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Cristiano Ronaldo poses with his partner Georgina Rodriguez after receiving the MARCA Legend award in Madrid. File/ AFP
“I don’t know. What I always say is to enjoy the moment. The gift is excellent and I have to continue to enjoy it.” onaldo, who has shattered almost every record in the game, said there aren’t many footballers who have more milestones to their name than him.
“Are there any football players who have more records than me?” he asked. “I don’t think there are any footballers who have more records than me.”
Ronaldo helped Juventus win the Serie A last season by scoring 28 goals in 43 games in all competitions. The forward has a record five Champions League titles (four with Real Madrid and one with Manchester United) to his name along with three Premier League crowns, two La Liga trophies, and a Serie A title. Ronaldo also told Portuguese television on Tuesday that “2018 was the most difficult year on a personal level.”
Cristiano Ronaldo during a match. File/ Reuters
Ronaldo had to deal with rape allegations last year after former model Kathryn Mayorga filed a complaint in September alleging she was sexually assaulted by the footballer in 2009 in a Las Vegas hotel room. The case was dismissed in a Nevada court in June, though the filing did not say if Ronaldo had agreed a settlement.
He denies the accusation, although he has reportedly acknowledged that he paid Mayorga in an earlier settlement. “When people question your honour, it hurts,” he said on Tuesday. “It hurts a lot mainly because I have a big family, a wife and an intelligent child who understands a lot of things.”
Agencies