"I was surprised at the time" - Ex-Portugal star claims Cristiano Ronaldo told him that he'd leave football at the age of 30
Portugal midfielder Costinha has said that Cristiano Ronaldo once told him that he would retire by 30. However, the Al-Nassr striker has continued to play much beyond that.
Just five months away from his 40th birthday, Ronaldo struck a landmark 900th goal for club and country in the 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Croatia in Lisbon last week.
Recalling the early days of Ronaldo when he had just started in international football, Costinha told ESPN Brasil (as per Record):
"I remember him from a very young age. He made his debut against Kazakhstan in 2003. The only thing I was surprised at the time was that he said that at the age of 30 he wanted to leave football. But I quickly realised that it was impossible to do so, such was the level of perfection that he would seek in any situation that appeared to him ahead."
Recalling details of the conversation, Costinha said:
"He said: 'Costa, I'm going to play until I'm 30 and then I'm going to do something different'. I thought it was difficult. 'It's very unlikely that that will happen to you, because of the way you are'. And ten years have passed (since what he said), and he continues to play so well."
About whether 1000 goals is within Ronaldo's reach, the former Portugal international said:
"The question of the moment: will CR7 reach 1000 goals? "I think it depends a lot. It depends on what will happen in the future. If he wants to continue playing. It depends on many factors. Now that he, if he has the opportunity, will try and succeed in doing so, I have no doubts whatsoever about that."
Ronaldo will look to add to his tally when Portugal take on Scotland in Lisbon on Sunday in their next UEFA Nations League game.
How has Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo fared in club football this season?
Playing his second full season in Saudi Arabian football with Al-Nassr - whom he had joined on a free transfer in December 2022 - Cristiano Ronaldo has had a superb start to the campaign.
Scoring in all four games across competitions, the 39-year-old has registered four goals and two assists. They include two goals and one assist in the Saudi Super Cup and another two goals and an assist in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo will likely next be in action when Al-Nassr take on Al-Ahli Saudi in the Saudi Super League on September 13. Luis Castro's side are fifth in the standings with four points from two outings.