"You've had an unbelievable run" – Former Liverpool star urges Cristiano Ronaldo to retire at end of season
Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has urged Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to hang up his boots at the end of this season.
Despite inching closer to 40, the Portuguese forward has lately shown little signs of stopping. The 39-year-old has opened the 2024-25 campaign on an excellent note, registering four goals and two assists in four appearances across all competitions for Al-Nassr so far.
However, with Ronaldo's current contract set to run out next June, Lawrenson is of the opinion that the ex-Manchester United man should retire next summer. The 67-year-old told Paddy Power (h/t GOAL):
"Cristiano Ronaldo is still scoring in Saudi Arabia, but would he sign a new contract there? I'm not sure. This is when I think he needs a best mate who says, 'You've had an unbelievable run, and maybe at the end of this season, just hang your boots up and let people remember you for what you've done'. He doesn't want to go through half a season where he scores something like six goals in the Saudi league."
Ronaldo, who recently scored two goals in two UEFA Nations League matches for Portugal, has often dismissed rumours about his retirement. As things stands, he is expected to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The five-time Ballon d'Or award winner is next likely to be in action for Al-Nassr in their Saudi Pro League contest against Al-Ahli this Friday.
Mohamed Salah told to not leave Liverpool to join Cristiano Ronaldo's league in future
During a chat with Tribal Football, Mark Lawrenson was asked if Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino's respective poor stints in Saudi Arabia should be a warning to Mohamed Salah. He responded:
"Yeah, it should, but if he goes to Saudi, he can name his own prize. Nobody can complain if he goes, and if does he will be a God. But I hope he doesn't go. He's started extremely well. With his haircut, he looks even stronger. If you look at him, he's beefed up."
When asked if Salah's potential exit is inevitable, Lawrenson replied:
"No. As long as he's playing on a regular basis, I don't see why he would want to go. Even though he could make all this money, they're all extremely rich already. I'm told that he really likes where he lives. He likes playing for Liverpool. He likes the fact that everyone thinks he's fantastic. Why would you change?"
Salah, 32, has found the back of the opposition net three times and registered as many assists in three league games for Liverpool this term.
Overall, the former Chelsea and AS Roma winger has scored 214 goals and laid out 92 assists in 352 matches across competitions for Liverpool.