Cristiano Ronaldo has set a retirement plan that will keep the long rivalry between him and Lionel Messi running through the next FIFA World Cup.
The former Manchester United player is looking forward to shifting his retirement and continuing to play the beautiful game until 2027.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s current deal with the Saudi Pro League outfit runs through the summer of 2025.
According to football insiders, the Portuguese International leading goalscorer has informed his current club side Al Nassr that he would love to extend his stay in the Middle East through the summer of 2027.
If the deal falls through, it will enable him to appear at another FIFA World Cup that will be co-hosted by the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada.
The former Juventus frontman is 38 years of age, (at the time of writing), and despite keeping himself in good shape, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will certainly not play football for too long from now.
Meanwhile, there are no blueprints for Ronaldo to stop playing football anytime soon, following his decision to inform Al Nassr and Portugal of his long-term goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo has undoubtedly been one of the most consistent football players in Europe so far and has appeared to be among the best footballers of all time.
The former Real Madrid frontman had previously suggested that his career in International football could be brought to an end after the European Championship next summer.
The all time international leading goalscorer has recorded 201 international appearances for Portugal with 123 goals, however, he is now setting his eyes on another global tournament.
According to reports, Ronaldo is looking to play until 2027 which will take him through another three seasons.
If Cristiano Ronaldo stays in football until the said date, he will be 41 years old by then which will allow him to remain in competition with long-time rival Lionel Messi.
The 38-year-old witnessed Argentina’s captain winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Ronaldo reportedly wants another shot at the title himself.
Ronaldo’s first World Cup appearance came in 2006 and was the first that brought him close to the global trophy with Portugal coming out fourth in the tournament, since then he has appeared in every World Cup game for his nation.
The 38-year-old has been outstanding for Al Nassr this season. He has secured eleven goals and registered six assists in 11 games for the Middle East club side in all competitions.
What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo?
The former Manchester United star is currently in line to face Slovakia in the Euro 2024 qualifying match on Friday, the 13th of October before he and his teammates face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday, the 16th of October.
