RONALDO: I WANT TO RETIRE AT 40

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he wants to retire from the club at the age of 41.

He made the declaration after winning the UEFA Best Player Award for the second time. At various times, there have been speculations that the Portuguese international could return to play for Manchester United, or join Paris St. Germain amongst other options. However, Madrid’s president Florentino Perez said that Ronaldo would end his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Yes, that’s what I want, I’m at the best club in the world, and I want to retire here at 41. The aim is to extend my contract and stay,” Ronaldo declared.

It seems he is exaggerating the actual length of time he wants to spend, but he seems one that could go really far in getting what he wants. At his advanced age of 31, Ronaldo is still going strong after a phenomenal year.

“It was an unforgettable year, at club level and internationally, collectively and individually, it was awesome,” he added. Ronaldo is set to win his fourth Ballon d’Or this year, after this European success. Since lifting the FA Cup with Manchester United in 2004, Ronaldo has established his brand in every fabric of football.

He has written his name in gold in the record of Real Madrid, and with his new deal extending his stay at Madrid; he is set for even greater exploits. He has rewritten several records in a Real Madrid jersey already, and seems focused on playing for as long as possible. Opta Stats claim his touches and passes per game is declining, but they remain at high levels compared to his mates. Since 85,000 appeared at a stadium to watch the unveiling of Ronaldo in 2009, he has remained a dominant force and is building to become the greatest galatico ever.