Sports
Ronaldo Hints At Immediate Retirement After Marriage
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he could retire from football in the near future
Cristiano Ronaldo has provided his clearest indication yet that he could retire from professional football next summer, admitting that his current season with Al Nassr FC will “probably” be his last.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made the revelation shortly after marrying his long-term partner, Georgina Rodríguez, as he prepares for life beyond a remarkable 25-year playing career.
Ronaldo, who is just 24 goals away from reaching 1,000 senior career goals, has previously hinted that his playing days are approaching their conclusion.
Speaking after his glamorous wedding, the Portugal captain told Vogue that he expects to call time on his career when his current chapter with Al Nassr ends.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said.
The forward also revealed that he already has plans for his life after football, although he admitted the transition could be difficult after spending more than two decades at the highest level.
“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,” he added.
After years of training, travelling and competing at the highest level, Ronaldo wants to embrace a different lifestyle once he hangs up his boots.
The Portuguese star said he intends to spend more time travelling, playing padel, watching the sport and enjoying the rewards of his extraordinary career.
“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,” Ronaldo explained.
Ronaldo began his professional career with Sporting CP before starring for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He joined Al Nassr in January 2023 and remains under contract until June 2027.
His latest comments come after Lionel Messi also admitted that he may not continue playing for much longer after the passing of his father and agent Jorge Messi.
Ronaldo has already confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance at the tournament, where he became the only player to score in six editions, adding another potential milestone to what could be the closing chapter of one of football’s greatest careers.
Real Madrid boss José Mourinho has weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic retirement from international football.
The 41-year-old Al Nassr striker shocked the footballing world on Thursday by announcing his permanent withdrawal from the Portugal national team, drawing the curtain on a legendary 23-year international career.
Addressing the media fallout during his Friday press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming LALIGA fixture against Valencia, Mourinho offered a supportive perspective on the situation.
Mourinho, who previously managed Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabéu, insisted that the veteran’s controversial exit should not overshadow his monumental contributions to the country.
“His decision must be respected, and I do respect it,” Mourinho daid
However, the Portuguese tactician also expressed visible regret over the sour circumstances surrounding the departure of his nation’s greatest-ever player.
“The only thing I wish for is that the moment of his retirement as a player will be different from his farewell yesterday,” the Real Madrid boss added.
While Ronaldo’s international days are officially over, Mourinho was incredibly quick to remind reporters that the forward remains a devastating force in domestic football.
“He hasn’t ended his career; those who know him are aware that he still has goals,” Mourinho stated emphatically.
Kelechi Iheanacho was on target as Bursaspor played out a 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor in their TFF 1. Lig encounter on Friday night.
The Nigeria international had previously scored in 12 consecutive league matches for Bursaspor before his remarkable scoring run came to an end against Bandırmaspor last weekend
Iheanacho restored his scoring touch by opening the scoring against Antalyaspor in the 26th minute.
However, an own goal from Tural Bayramov brought the visitors level before the half-time break.
The striker has now recorded an impressive 17 goals and four assists in 14 league appearances for Bursaspor this season.
Despite dropping points, Bursaspor remain top of the league standings with 37 points
England manager Thomas Tuchel has left Cole Palmer and Phil Foden out of his latest squad for the final Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
However, Jobe Bellingham and Fulham midfielder Josh King have received their first senior call-ups.
Tuchel said Palmer had missed too many opportunities to represent England, despite scoring five goals and providing three assists for Chelsea this season.
Jobe Bellingham joins his elder brother, Jude, in the squad after impressing at Borussia Dortmund.
King also earns his first call-up following a strong start to the season, with two goals and one assist in the Premier League.
Defender Ben White returns to the squad for the first time since March, while Declan Rice is also back after missing the previous camp through injury.
Djed Spence has also returned after recovering from injury.
England will host Croatia at Wembley on November 12 before travelling to Madrid to face Spain three days later.
Tuchel’s side are second in Group A4, three points behind leaders Spain. The top two teams will qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals.
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