Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear that the upcoming World Cup will be his last despite his ex-Portugal team-mate talking up the idea of bidding farewell on home soil
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Portugal team-mate Nuno Gomes insists the next World Cup in four years would present “an opportunity to say goodbye at home” for the icon.
The Al-Nassr star, now 40, has maintained that this summer’s tournament in North America will be his last. Ronaldo has continued to defy the ageing process with his incredible dedication and discipine allowing him to remain in peak shape physically, which has aided hi game.
Ronaldo’s numbers and stats post-30 by far dwarf what he achieved in his 20s but he has maintained that this will be his last shot at global glory. Currently his best effort is the semi-finals he reached back in 2006.
The timing for him though is unfortunate with the next World Cup being held across Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Ronaldo played in a home Euros back in 2004, but the 2030 edition – when Ronaldo would be 45 – would be an incredible way to go out according to Gomes
The former striker, who played in 34 of his 79 game for Portugal alongside Ronaldo, told TalkSport: “It’s a difficult question. I think only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer because I think he is doing year by year at this age. I think he’s still fit to play. He’s a really professional player and one of the players that we can point him as a example to follow? For the young generations.
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“But of course he has his age and his capacity is reduced in some qualities, in speed for example. He’s not the same Cristiano when he was 18 or 20, but he’s still capable to score goals, and in football, it’s the most important thing, to score goals and he’s still scoring.
“Of course I think it also depends on the coach. Right now we have Roberto Martinez and I think he adapts the team, having him in the first 11 or not. So I think it will depend on his will, to play more or not. But probably I could tell that it could be his last World Cup. Even though we know that in four years we are hosting some games. And maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”
Ronaldo’s great success on the international stage came in 2016 when he claimed the Euros. At the last World Cup Portugal were stunned by Morocco, who beat them in the last eight. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United ace has been afforded a huge boost ahead of next summer.
Despite his recent red card against Ireland he has seen two matches of his ban put on hold, which will allow him to play in the World Cup. The decision, taken by FIFA, has caused huge division given the unprecedented decision. Portugal will learn their opponents in Friday’s draw.
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