‘That’s not the case’ – Portugal manager makes Cristiano Ronaldo retirement prediction

Cristiano Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down and could play ‘on and on’ if he wanted, says Portugal manager Roberto Martinez.

The 41-year-old marked his return to Al Nassr following three matches on the sidelines with his 962nd goal for club and country.

Getty

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner captained his Saudi Pro League side to a 2-0 victory over Al Fateh to close the gap to Al Hilal to one point.

Ronaldo’s latest strike was his 19th in 23 appearances for Jorge Jesus’ side this year as he gears up for his final World Cup in June.

Martinez praises Ronaldo’s ‘high standards’

The former Manchester United star will captain Portugal in North America, with his manager Martinez praising his professionalism.

“Very easy [to manage], because of his high standards, his expectations of how the work should be done and his commitment to the game,” The Spaniard told the BBC.

“He truly is an example of what you should do to represent Portugal and the national team. And now he’s adapted, obviously, after 21 years in the national team – he’s adjusted.

“He’s a goalscorer, he’s an important player for us, and it’s the player that he is now that is important for me.

“As a national team coach, a player that has scored 25 goals in the last 30 international games… it’s not that he’s playing because of what he’s done in the past, it’s what he’s done now.”

Ronaldo, who has 143 goals in 226 international appearances, failed to score with any of his 23 shots at EURO 2024 as Portugal crashed out in a quarter-final penalty shootout defeat to France.

The forward started all five of his country’s games at the last major tournament and was told to step aside by Gabby Agbonlahor.

Getty

However, Martinez insisted Ronaldo’s commitment to remaining in peak condition means he can continue for as long as he wants.

He added: “Well, we got all the stats. If you were going to analyse a player that is dropping at physical level, that’s not the case.

“His physical stats are of a player that could go on and on and on.

“I think it’s more a question of when he’ll feel that is the right time.

“I think he’s a player that is very critical with himself.

“When he doesn’t see that he can help the team, he’ll be the one that will decide when to stop.”

AFP

Ronaldo himself confirmed earlier this season that this summer’s World Cup will be his international swansong.

“Definitely, yes,” CR7 told the Riyadh World Tourism summit. “I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”

On his plans for retirement, Ronaldo continued: “I’m enjoying my game in the national team and Al Nassr, but of course, let’s be honest when I mean soon it’s probably one, two years I’ll still be at the game.”