LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “When will I retire? Soon, but I think I’ll be ready. It will be difficult, of course. I’ll probably cry, yes. It’s normal. I’m someone who cries easily. I don’t hold back my feelings. I’m honest, I’m an open person. It will be tough, but I’ve been preparing for my future since I was 25, 26, 27 years old. So I think I’ll be able to handle that pressure.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has not yet set a date, but he knows that at 40 years old, there isn’t much playing time left. In the first part of his interview with Piers Morgan, CR7 admits that “nothing will ever replace football” once he hangs up his boots, because “nothing compares to the adrenaline you feel when you score a goal. But as I always say, everything has a beginning and an end. So I think I’ll be ready.”
After that, he’ll have more time to spend with his family and to learn new things. Ronaldo also reflects on his career, proudly defending his achievements and records. “I don’t care if people think I’m arrogant. If you look at many of the records in football history, Cristiano is there. I know my potential, both on and off the pitch — the numbers don’t lie.”
As for money, he says, “It’s not my main motivation to play, but it helps. I’m not obsessed with money, but I do believe that money can help in many ways.”
“But when you reach a certain level, money doesn’t matter that much anymore, in my opinion,” he continues. “Still, it’s always nice to have more, because we’re human beings and we’re never completely satisfied with what we have. I’ve learned that finances are important, that money is important — but there are more important things.”
And on the fact that he became the first footballer to reach billionaire status, he admits: “I knew it, I was prepared. It’s like when you win a Ballon d’Or — it’s a personal achievement.”
There’s also room to talk about a club he remains deeply attached to, but which is going through a long period of struggle: Manchester United. “I’m sad, because one of the best clubs in the world, a club I carry in my heart, needs to rebuild its future. The club doesn’t have a proper structure. I hope things change, because the potential is enormous. Amorim? Miracles don’t exist. The team has good players, but it lacks the mentality of those who truly understand what it means to be Manchester United.”
– Foto IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
