Ronaldo drops bombshell retirement statement - 'It's all mapped out'

Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped a bombshell and revealed that this season will 'probably' his last. Ronaldo, 41, only has one year left on his mega-money contract with Al-Nassr, having previously admitted that he's in the final knockings of his prestigious career.

The Portugal captain played at his sixth and final World Cup over the summer, as his nation crashed out in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 loss against eventual champions Spain. Speaking for the first time since Portugal's heartbreak in an interview with Vogue Magazine, Ronaldo has suggested that this season will be his last.

"This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy," he stated. "I have my 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. 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."

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The interview took place five days before Ronaldo married his long-term partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in an intimate ceremony at their home in Cascais, Portugal. Earlier this week, the former Manchester United megastar returned to Saudi Arabia but didn't feature in Al-Nassr's opening game of the season.

The Saudi champions began their title defence with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh under new manager Ange Postecoglou. Their former boss, Jorge Jesus, left at the end of last season and is now Portugal's head coach.

Speaking at his unveiling press conference, Jesus said that the door was open for Ronaldo to receive a call-up, with their next match scheduled for late September. "I haven't spoken to Cris yet. He will never be a problem for the national team or for me," Jesus explained.

Should Cristiano Ronaldo retire next year? Have your say in the comments section.

"As for the controversy, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. When the time comes to make a decision, I will speak with Cris and with everyone else individually. Cris is a symbol of Portugal. He will go down in history.

"It has been a great pleasure working with him. He is incredibly easy to work with. I need to speak with him to find out what he wants to do. He has always told me that he wants to finish his career at Al-Nassr. If he is in a position to be called up, I will do so."

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