«That will be his choice», Roberto Martinez on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement
At 41 and still decisive, Cristiano Ronaldo has not set a retirement date, leaving it to him to decide when he believes he will no longer be able to help the national team.
SUMMARY
Portugal’s manager Roberto Martinez has opened the door to an end of career decided solely by Cristiano Ronaldo himself, assuring that the striker shows no signs of physical decline. At 41, the captain of the national team continues to perform at the highest level and is expected to feature in the next FIFA World Cup 2026. Asked by the BBC about a possible retirement of the Portuguese star, Martinez — who has worked with him for three years — was categorical: the body will not dictate the end.
“We have all the data. If we were to analyze a player whose physical abilities were waning, that would not be the case for him. He still possesses the athletic qualities to maintain a very high level”, explained the former Belgium national team coach. Before adding: “Everything will depend on the moment when he feels it is right. Cristiano is extremely demanding of himself. The day he feels he can no longer help the team, he will make his decision.”
Unprecedented longevity
Professional for nearly 24 years, Ronaldo began at Sporting CP in 2002 before bursting onto the scene at Manchester United the following year. Today, the forward plays for Al-Nassr, which he joined in January 2023. His contract runs until 2027 after the extension signed last summer.
It remains to be seen whether the five-time Ballon d’Or will choose to hang up his boots at the end of his Saudi contract, or whether he will continue his career a little longer. One thing is certain: as long as the statistics speak in his favor, the question of retirement will remain at his sole discretion.
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