"I could end my career next year" – Cristiano Ronaldo admits retirement uncertainty
Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he could hang up his boots as early as next year.
The 34-year-old has enjoyed a glittering career, winning a joint-record five Ballon d'Ors as well as multiple trophies in England, Spain and Italy.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward is also the top scorer in Champions League history with 126 goals.
However, Ronaldo has revealed that he doesn't know when he will call time on his playing career.
"I don’t need football to live well, I’m fine financially," he told TVI.
“What I need are attractive projects and Juve’s is one of them. I’ve always liked this team, they’re the best in Italy and one of the best in the world.
“They’ve always fought to establish themselves in Europe. And after winning in England and Spain, I also won in Italy and I’m happy to be here.
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“I was worse in defeat a few years ago. If I lost, sometimes I didn’t have dinner, I’d go into a room and left the next day.
“With maturity, I learned that the most important thing in life wasn’t football. Obviously you have to be focused, because it’s your job, but you can also disconnect from it.
“I could end my career next year, but I could also play until I’m 40, 41 years old. I don’t know, but what I always say is that you have to enjoy the moment. The present is excellent and I must enjoy it."
Juventus begin their Serie A title defence when they face Parma on Saturday.
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Greg Lea is a freelance football journalist who's filled in wherever FourFourTwo needs him since 2014. He became a Crystal Palace fan after watching a 1-0 loss to Port Vale in 1998, and once got on the scoresheet in a primary school game against Wilfried Zaha's Whitehorse Manor (an own goal in an 8-0 defeat).