Cristiano Ronaldo: Sadio Mane's Al Nassr teammate reveals when he will retire ahead EURO 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo remains hungry for goals at Al Nassr. (Photo Credit: Al Nassr/X)

FOOTBALL Cristiano Ronaldo: Sadio Mane's Al Nassr teammate reveals when he will retire ahead EURO 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo: Sadio Mane's Al Nassr teammate reveals when he will retire ahead EURO 2024

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 11:41 - 17.05.2024

Sadio Mane's club mate at Al Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo has explained why retirement is not part of his immediate plans.

Sadio Mane’s Al Nassr partner, Cristiano Ronaldo, has admitted his desire to keep competing against the "young lions" of football is fueling his motivation to play at the top level despite his advancing age.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Ronaldo swapped European football for the Saudi Pro League after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar when he joined Al-Nassr following his bitter departure from Manchester United.

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Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo speaks on future

The 39-year-old Al Nassr striker, who is teammates with Sadio Mane in Saudi Arabia, says he takes great pride in still being able to perform at an elite standard in the latter stages of his career.

"I feel proud to have this age and still compete at the highest level. It's great and it gives me motivation to carry on," Ronaldo said per Goal.

Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo remains morivated to keep going.
Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo remains morivated to keep going. || X

"If you look at my career for the last 20 years, my level is high. If you are top for 20 years, it's unbelievable. I do that and I continue to do that. For me it's a big achievement."

The Portuguese legend, who has won five Ballon d'Or awards among a host of other honours, admits it is not easy maintaining such high standards into his late 30s.

Cristiano Ronaldo won his first-ever Golden Boot for Manchester United in 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo won his first-ever Golden Boot for Manchester United in 2008

"My biggest motivation is to carry on. It's not easy to be at this level," he added.

"To still push, to still motivate, to carry on, to score goals, to be in good shape, to compete with the young lions that are coming and that when they play against me, they want to show me that they are stronger and faster than me.

For non-penalty goals, Ronaldo overtakes Messi in scoring record as Al Nassr defeats Al Fateh.
For non-penalty goals, Ronaldo overtakes Messi in scoring record as Al Nassr defeats Al Fateh.

"You have to prepare very well not just physically but mentally, too. This is the challenge."

Despite now being in the twilight of his remarkable career, it seems the all-time great has no intentions of retiring from the game he still loves anytime soon.

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Ronaldo is expected to be a part of the Portugal team set to take on the rest of Europe at the EURO 2024 in Germany. 

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