‘I’m still very good’ - Cristiano Ronaldo in ‘year or two’ future admission as Al-Nassr superstar plans to play on well into his 40s

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner be turning 40 on February 5. Most players have hung up their boots long before reaching that point, but CR7 is not your everyday footballer. He has reached the very top of his chosen profession and stayed there for the best part of two decades.

Retirement is closer than it has ever been, with Ronaldo conceding that he can no longer plan “long-term”, but the evergreen frontman has no intention of walking away any time soon. He is maintaining remarkable standards at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, with goals continuing to flow in a bid to reach 1,000.

Ronaldo has told La Sexta when asked about his present and future: “I could quit the sport today and I wouldn't regret anything, but it would be a shame because I'm still very good, I'm still making a difference. I would leave myself saying 'I can still make a difference for another year or two', that's why I live very much in the present and I can't think long term.”

Relentless work ethic has allowed Ronaldo to remain at the pinnacle of world football, with the ex-Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar working harder than everybody else. He claims to have eased off slightly, as family commitments take up more of his time, but remains fiercely competitive.

Ronaldo added on the drive that continues to take him out onto the training pitch: “I still get up wanting to train and play matches. Maybe a little less than before, but it's my passion, I like to do what I do. It's hard for me, but I go. Do you think I go to the gym every day with desire? No, but there is a commitment and I go.”

With CR7 looking to play on, a new contract in the Saudi Pro League is expected to be signed. He is also looking to grace the next World Cup in 2026, with more records and entries in the history books being chased down by a man that has already achieved sporting immortality.