- Ronaldo scored twice, including a bicycle kick, in the 5-1 Nations League victory
- The forward admitted he doesn’t plan to go into management once he retires
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Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at retirement once again following his latest brace for Portugal.
Ronaldo, 39, is one of the greatest footballers to ever play the game, with the Portuguese superstar having scored over 900 career goals.
The forward has represented Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid Juventus and Al-Nassr in an illustrious career that dates back to 2002.
Ronaldo – who has also won the Ballon d’Or five times – took his international goal tally to 135 in 215 appearances with a brace during Portugal’s 5-1 win over Poland in the Nations League on Friday.
He insisted afterwards his focus remains on football despite and that retirement depends on his motivation levels as he approaches 40.
‘I just want to enjoy [myself],’ Ronaldo said. ‘Plan for retirement? if it has to happen, in one or two years … I don’t know. I’m turning 40 soon.
‘I really want to enjoy, as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire.’
Ronaldo also added he doesn’t intent to go into management once he calls time on his career.
He said: ‘I don’t see myself managing a team; that’s not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens.’
Ronaldo scored his first goal of the night against Portugal from the penalty spot to give Portugal a two-goal cushion, but it was his second strike that stunned those inside the Estadio do Dragao.
Portugal were attacking around the edge of Poland’s box in the final few minutes of regulation time before a quick-one two gave PSG midfielder Vitinha space to work a pass across goal.
His pinpoint cross was perfectly weighted to find Ronaldo in acres of space at the back-post and the superstar striker duly obliged by rising into the air and making a stunning connection.
Ronaldo had to generate most of the power himself with Neto’s cross floated into the air but executed his effort perfectly, sending the ball back across goal and into the bottom corner with goalkeeper Marcin Bulka stranded.
The 50,000-seater stadium exploded as the ball nestled in the back of the net and a stunned Ronaldo sprinted off to celebrate, hitting his iconic siuuu celebration and pumping fists before being mobbed by team-mates.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao and Chelsea‘s Pedro Neto also got on the scoresheet in the emphatic win.
