Cristiano Ronaldo says he will retire in 1-2 years

RIYADH – Cristiano Ronaldo has put a timeline on his cryptic retirement hint, saying on Nov 11 he will hang up his boots in “one or two years”.

The Portugal forward, who has scored over 950 goals for club and country, made his debut as a teenager at Sporting Lisbon in 2002 and said in an interview that he would retire soon to spend time with his family.

In June, Ronaldo extended his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr until 2027 and the 40-year-old is also targeting the 2026 World Cup, the only major title missing from his trophy cabinet.

“Soon for me means in 10 years... No, I’m joking,” Ronaldo said via video call at a Saudi-hosted global summit on tourism and investment.

“I’m really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick.

“I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”

With Portugal on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo confirmed the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be his swansong on football’s biggest stage.

“Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old (at the World Cup),” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is also the top scorer in history with 143 international goals.

“I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything, I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams.

“I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star said he knows he will go down in history as one of the best players ever.

But can his son Ronaldo Jr, who is following in his footsteps by playing for the Portugal Under-16 team, be a better player than his father?

“As human beings, we always don’t want anybody being better than us. But I wish my kids will be better than me. I’m never going to be jealous of him,” he said.

“I don’t want to add pressure to that, because what I want for him is to be happy. It doesn’t matter if you want to play football or play another sport.

“Be happy, be free. Don’t be with the pressure of your daddy because that is a lot.”

“This is a new generation, a different generation. They think different, they live different. But as a father, I’m here to help him to be whatever he wants to be. I will be his support,” he added.

The Portugal captain will look to add to his five goals in the qualifiers when they play in Ireland on Nov 13 and host Armenia in Porto three days later.

The Group F leaders will secure their World Cup ticket with victory in Dublin.

But they will be without Paris Saint-Germain fullback Nuno Mendes for both games as he is out with a sprained knee.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez called up Carlos Forbs for the first time after the 21-year-old Club Brugge winger tormented Barcelona in the Champions League, scoring twice and setting up another goal in the 3-3 draw on Nov 5.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves is also back after recovering from injury.

Meanwhile, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been released from the Spain squad for their qualifiers after undergoing treatment, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced on Nov 11.

The federation’s medical team announced “their surprise and upset” after discovering on Nov 10 that the 18-year-old “had undergone an invasive radio-frequency procedure to treat his pubic discomfort that same morning”, a statement said.

Yamal had been due to report for international duty on Nov 10 for the start of Spain’s training camp.

“This procedure was performed without prior notification to the national team’s medical staff, who only learnt of the details through a report received... last night (Monday),” the statement added.

The recommended recovery time after such a procedure is seven to 10 days, according to the RFEF statement, with the federation deciding to release the player to prioritise his “health, safety and well-being”.

The teenage sensation has suffered from a groin problem in recent weeks and missed the last round of qualifiers in October.

Group E leaders Spain can secure their place if they beat Georgia in Tbilisi on Nov 15 and Turkey fail to beat Bulgaria. REUTERS