Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement: ‘Probably my last year of football’

By Ben Church, CNN

(CNN) — Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that this could be his last year playing professional soccer, after what’s been a record-breaking career.

The 41-year-old is widely considered one of the best players in history, winning five Ballon d’Or awards in addition to a host of major trophies and record-breaking achievements.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” he recently told Vogue after marrying his wife Georgina Rodríguez on Tuesday.

He said he was “looking forward to spending more time with the family,” adding that he had his future “all mapped out.”

“I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” he said.

“And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned – what we’ve earned. Because, after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”

One last milestone?

Ronaldo played and scored in his sixth World Cup for Portugal this summer – an all-time record – but is now a shadow of the player that once dominated the sport.

He has scored 976 goals for club and country so far in a career that has seen him play for the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

It has long been his aim to reach 1,000 career goals, a milestone he can reach playing in the Saudi league this season.

Ronaldo is currently signed to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he has one year left on his contract.

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