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Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Portugal
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on his post-retirement plans in a new interview – and he's categorically ruled out a role in football that has "never" crossed his mind.
The 39-year-old forward, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, has dropped a number of hints about what life will look like after his trophy-laden career is over.
Last year, he said he was open to the idea of owning a football club. "I don't rule out becoming a club owner," he said during an event in Madrid for his bottled water business venture.
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"It's something I thought about a few years back. I probably would like to own a [football] club. I'm at the end of my career, two to three years maximum."
For the most part, it appears his post-retirement plans involve shifting towards business ventures rather than coaching.
And in a new interview with Portuguese publication NOW, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has given a further indication into his mindset as he prepares to turn 40 in February.
It's fair to say a career in management is not on the cards.
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"When I leave the national team, I won't tell anyone in advance and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought-out one," Ronaldo said.
"Right now what I want is to be able to help the national team in their upcoming matches. We have the Nations League ahead of us and I would really like to play."
He added: "At the moment, I'm not thinking about being a coach of the first team or any team. It doesn't even cross my mind, I've never thought about it. I don't see my future going through that. I see myself doing other things outside of football, but only God knows what the future holds."
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For the time being, Ronaldo has no intentions of retiring. In fact, Portugal's all-time top scorer is desperate to play a competitive fixture with his son, Cristiano Jr.
That's according to former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu, who went to visit Ronaldo back in May.
The youngster, who has previously played at youth level for Juventus and Manchester United, is only 14 but he is training two years above his age in the Al Nassr academy.
Speaking to iAM SPORT in Romania, Mutu said: "That's his real motivation. The fact he wants to play an official match with his boy and that's why he doesn't give up.
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"Well, at Al Nassr, it's possible. If he was at another team, I don't know, Real Madrid, it would be more difficult. But to play a half (together), in a year, I don't think it's impossible."
Back in 2022, Ronaldo said: "My son tells me, 'Dad hold on a few more years - I want to play with you.' Only time will tell. I will never pressure him [to play football]. He will do what he wants."