Ronaldo has been preparing for retirement since he was 25 years old.

Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledges that his retirement time is near and discloses that he began preparing for life beyond football almost twenty years ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo once again captured global fans' attention by openly discussing his future in a recent interview with journalist Piers Morgan on the channel Uncensored. At 40 years old, the Portuguese striker stated that he is ready to say goodbye to the pitch, although he admitted it will be an emotional moment.

Ronaldo said: “That moment will come soon. I have thought about this for many years. Of course, it will be difficult, and I might cry. But I have prepared for my future since I was 25 or 26, so I believe I am strong enough to handle it.”

Currently, Ronaldo still has a contract with Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia) until 2027 and continues to maintain impressive performance. However, instead of pursuing a coaching or management career after hanging up his boots, CR7 revealed he wants to step away from football to enjoy his personal life.

He shared: “Nothing compares to the feeling of scoring goals, but I have many other passions. I want more time for my family, for myself, to raise my children, and to follow my hobbies. I love UFC, enjoy playing padel, and want to learn more about my business ventures. I won’t become a YouTuber, but I might try new things I haven’t done before.”

These statements almost put to rest rumors that Ronaldo might return to Manchester United in a leadership role after retirement. Although former teammate Wes Brown once said CR7 “fits very well in an executive position,” it seems the Portuguese legend has chosen a quieter and more ordinary path.

For now, Ronaldo remains focused with Al Nassr to conquer unfinished titles. He also openly expresses his ambition to participate in the 2026 World Cup with Portugal as a “final dance” to close his illustrious career spanning over two decades.

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