Portuguese star >Cristiano Ronaldo spoke once again about his possible retirement as a professional player after setting a new record for international victories in men’s soccer on Friday.
Portugal thrashed Poland 5-1 with two goals from CR7, including an acrobatic bicycle kick, to seal the Portuguese nation’s place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League.
This was Ronaldo’s 132nd international victory, surpassing his former Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos, who accumulated 131 with Spain.
After the match, 39-year-old Ronaldo insisted that his goal remains to enjoy himself as a soccer player, despite the specter of retirement looming ever closer.
“I just want to enjoy playing football,” Ronaldo said. “Planning for retirement if it has to happen, in one or two years, I don’t know. I’ll be 40 soon.
“I want to really enjoy while I feel motivated, keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire,” added the current Al Nassr player.
CR7 and the rumor of a move to MLS
In recent days, however, the rumor of a possible move of CR7 to soccer in the United States in MLS has become a probability, and to have the opportunity to face, and share a field, with his lifelong rival, Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo added that he has no intention of going into coaching when he finally hangs up his boots.
“I don’t see myself managing a team, it’s not in my plans,” CR7 said. “My future is in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens.”
Portugal faces Croatia on Monday in its final group stage match of the Europa Nations League, although Ronaldo was released early and will return to Al Nassr to continue the season in the Saudi Arabian Professional League.