Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up to former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand over his life away from football once he does call it time on his career.
The Manchester United legend is widely considered one of the best players of all time alongside Barcelona icon Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Pele.
Cristiano Ronaldo is in the tail end of his remarkable playing career, despite still competing on the international stage with Portugal.
The 39-year-old Portuguese forward recently featured in his sixth European Championship tournament with Portugal at Euro 2024 in Germany in the summer.
Ronaldo, who has played at 11 overall major international tournaments, is tipped to retire from his duties with Portugal after the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The Portugal legend has been with current side Al Nassr since 2023 after his exit from Old Trafford in 2022 amid his falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo on retirement from football
Cristiano Ronaldo has ruled out the idea of retiring from football in the foreseeable future, despite the former Manchester United superstar turning 40 next February.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 62 times in 69 appearances for Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr during his spell in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ronaldo sat down with fellow United legend Rio Ferdinand for a chat and was asked about his life after football.
The Real Madrid legend admitted that he would miss both the “adrenaline” and the “nervous” feeling that he has experienced in football when he does retire.
“I’m not going to have the adrenaline… or to be nervous, I think I’m going to miss that,” Ronaldo said.
“Because other parts, I’m in good control. I have good people around me, I have good business, I have good things, a good income.
“But I think the adrenaline of football is never going to exist more. This is why I’m going a little bit further in football.
“With 40s, you say, ‘I give everything,’ do you understand? 40 or 41 or 42, it doesn’t matter. You say, ‘I give my body for 25 years of football, I cannot give more because the age doesn’t allow [me] to go further,’ for example.
“This is why I’m extending my longevity and this is why I take care of myself, keep working, because I know that [in] two or three years more, I still can produce something good.”
Ronaldo on ‘another chapter’ in his life
Ronaldo has found success away from the football pitch, including the explosive popularity of his new YouTube channel.
The Portugal captain has capitalised on other opportunities like his ‘CR7’ brand, with Ronaldo wanting to become “more involved” in his business after his career.
“Of course, I will miss [football],” Ronaldo added.
“Probably I will be a little bit lost but, listen, what am I going to do? You think I’m going to cry? Maybe a little bit because I become more sensitive.
“I will be a little bit like that but I have other things to worry about, there’s going to be another chapter of my life, which is a business part that I’m excited to do.
“That will be a challenge for me, learning other areas that I really don’t know, being more involved in my business.
“I’m surrounded by very, very, very good heads which is, for me, the key to having success outside football as well in business, to have people smarter than you.
“You have to be capable to understand that. I think I’m smart in football but in other areas, there are people much smarter than me so you have to be surrounded by them, to learn from them, and you make your own style.”
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