Football
Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘real motivation’ hints when star could retire from football
Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on his 40s but continues to play on with suggestions being the ex-Real Madrid star will attempt to play until he can share the pitch with his son
Cristiano Ronaldo’s motivation is to play a game with his son, Cristiano Jnr before retiring, according to Adrian Mutu.
The Romanian visited Saudi Arabia back in May and believes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is determined to prolong his career so that he can play with his eldest child. Ronaldo chose to call time on his stint in Europe after the last World Cup following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United.
The Portuguese icon enjoyed trophy-laden spells with the Red Devils, Real Madrid and Juventus but is now at Al-Nassr, where his son is playing in the academy. Cristiano Jnr has recently turned 14 so it would leave Ronaldo playing for at least another three years, realistically, before he could play with his family.
But ex-Chelsea man Mutu is adamant that will spur him on for his remaining years. He told Romanian outlet iAM SPORT: “Cristiano Ronaldo’s real motivation right now is to play at least a game alongside his son, Cristiano Jr. That’s what keeps him going”.
Ronaldo has previously said: “My son tells me: dad, hold on a few more years, I want to play with you!” Cristiano Jnr has been on the books of the clubs that the 39-year-old has previously played at.
The veteran frontman is currently dealing with failure at the Euros after Portugal were knocked out in the quarters by France. Les Bleus secured their success on penalties which ended Ronaldo’s hopes of winning another international tournament.
His only success with the national side was back at Euro 2016 and he made it known that this would be his last Euros. Despite that he and those around him distanced themselves from talk of retirement with another World Cup potentially on his radar.
Ronaldo told Portugal TV’s RTP: “Without a doubt it’s the last Euro [for me], of course it is. But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people’s passion … it’s not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?”
He also took to social media to say: “We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each and every one of you. For Portugal. We are grateful for all that you have given us and all that we have accomplished so far. On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honoured and will continue to be built. Together.”
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