Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo accepted that his twilight years are here and his time on the field may come to an end in a year or two.
However, he has no intentions of becoming a manager after retirement — immediately or many years afterward.
The Portuguese legend, who turns 40 in February, said he will retire from football when he is unable to enjoy his time on the field any longer.
“I just want to enjoy. Plan for retirement… if it has to happen, in one or two years… I don’t know. I’m turning 40 soon… I really want to enjoy, as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire,” Goal.com quoted Ronaldo as telling reporters.
While the Al Nassr FC attacker has said the same many times before as well, this time, he went on to add on his future with the national team. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed that he will not make his retirement announcement in advance but will declare it in a spontaneous manner. However, he clarified that it would not be rash decision.
“When I decide to leave the national team, I’ll do it spontaneously but thoughtfully. There won’t be any advance announcements. I don’t see myself managing a team; that’s not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens,” the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star said.
Earlier, the veteran had confirmed that a return to Europe seems impossible and he is likely to play his final professional game in Saudi. After Portugal final Nations League group stage match against Croatia, Cristiano Ronaldo will rejoin the Al-Nassr camp in Riyadh.