SUMMARY
- Upon joining the Saudi Pro League side, Ronaldo stated that Saudi Arabia would be his final destination, and won't return to Europe.
- Ronaldo gave an update on his retirement with a sarcastic approach that couldn't stop Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola from bursting into laughter.
After ruling the European soccer circuit for almost two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo finally decided to showcase his traits in Saudi Arabia in 2022. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner put a pen to the papers of a lucrative deal from Al-Nassr for three years until 2025.
Upon joining the Saudi Pro League side, Ronaldo stated that Saudi Arabia would be his final destination, as he had no thoughts of returning to Europe. However, during a recent interview, Ronaldo gave an update on his retirement with a sarcastic approach that couldn’t stop Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola from bursting into laughter.
Pep Guardiola’s reaction to Cristiano Ronaldo saying he’ll retire in 10 years. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/HRIqX1gPOa
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) January 19, 2024
In a recent interview, Ronaldo, who is going to turn 39 next month, gave a sarcastic reply when he was asked about his retirement plans. He said, “The moment I feel I’m done, I’ll retire, maybe in 10 years.” Pep Guardiola, who was among the attendees, couldn’t help but burst into laughter while listening to the Portuguese icon’s reply.
Be it from a sarcastic point of view or not, Ronaldo keeps on proving that he is still the best in the business. The former Manchester United striker went on to become the highest goalscorer last year after scoring a total of 54 goals.
Pep Guardiola believes Cristiano Ronaldo can score goals at the age of 75.
Although he has seen the rise of Lionel Messi after managing the Argentine for years, Pep Guardiola’s immense bit of respect for the game of Cristiano Ronaldo is not unknown.
Back when Ronaldo joined Manchester United in 2021, the Spanish manager made a statement regarding the dominance of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester City manager was full of praise for the Portuguese, as he said Ronaldo has the capability of scoring goals even at the age of 75.
Pep Guardiola on Cristiano Ronaldo:
“He will score goals all his life, he will be 75-years-old, maybe retired, but he would play at his own BBQ and score goals.” 👴
[Sky Sports] pic.twitter.com/xkXVJVgxIr
— GOAL (@goal) November 5, 2021
He said, “He will score goals all his life. He will be 75 years old, maybe retired, but he will be at his own barbecue playing a game, and he’ll score goals. These types of guys, like [Lionel] Messi, like him, what they have done in the last decade in world football, scoring goals and goals and helping their team win, speaks for itself.”
Guardiola’s statement came as a reminder that season, as Ronaldo went on to become the highest goalscorer for Manchester United that season with 18 goals.
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo consider retiring during the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
Every time one speaks of the retirement plans of Cristiano Ronaldo, it takes them back to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It came as a surprise to everyone when Ronaldo stated that he considered retiring from national duties after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Cristiano #Ronaldo announces that 2022 World Cup will be his last tournament for #Portugal 🇵🇹 (not full retirement).#Cristiano has been always clear that he wants to play until he’s 40 years old. 🤞
— SUHANA KHAN (@__suhuuu__) October 11, 2020
The reason for his statements was quite obvious. Ronaldo, who only scored a solitary goal through the entirety of the World Cup, was forced to sit on the bench by then-Portugal coach Fernando Santos. His poor form made way for young Goncalo Ramos, who replaced Ronaldo in the Round of 16 game against Switzerland. Ramos had an immediate impact as he netted an impressive hat trick, helping his side win the game by 6 goals to 1.
However, Ronaldo didn’t go the retirement way at the end. Following the appointment of Roberto Martinez as the national team coach, Ronaldo got his place back in the side and is still going strong. The Euro 2024 might come as a shot at redemption for the Al-Nassr man after winning the tournament back in 2016.