'My future lies in other areas' – Cristiano Ronaldo hints at new job after football as Portugal star sets new record
Today at 07:04 AM
Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at retirement following Portugal’s Nations League win over Poland where he set another international record.
The 39-year-old was once again the star for his country on Friday night, scoring a brace in a 5-1 win to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Ronaldo brought up his record-extending 134th and 135th international goals in the contest at Estadio do Dragao.
His first of the match came from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, before he found the back of the net again 15 minutes later through an exquisite overhead kick.
It was in similar fashion to his acrobatic attempt for Real Madrid in the Champions League against Juventus in the 2017/18 season.
Only this time, it was closer to the goal, with Ronaldo being found by Vitinha inside the six-yard box, where he guided his strike past goalkeeper Marcin Bulka into the far corner.
Portugal’s win has seen Ronaldo break the record for most international victories with 132.
He had been level with former Los Blancos teammate Sergio Ramos on 131.
Despite his impressive form this season, which has seen him bang in ten goals in 15 games for Al Nassr, Ronaldo has been linked with hanging up his boots in football.
It comes after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted he may not hit his target of 1,000 career goals before he calls it quits.
And following the victory over Poland, Ronaldo discussed his future in the sport, where he said: "I just want to enjoy it.
“If it [retirement] 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".
He continued: “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.”
Despite Ronaldo’s age, he continues to turn heads on a regular basis.
Incredibly, Ronaldo has scored more goals for Portugal after turning 35-years-old than Diego Maradona scored for Argentina in his entire career.
Of his 135 goals for Portugal, he has found the back of the net on 25 occasions after the age of 35.
