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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Cristiano Ronaldo hints when he will retire - and it could be next year

Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted he could be ready to hang up his boots at the end of this season.

The Portuguese superstar only signed a four-year contract with current club Juventus last summer following his £100 million transfer.

And despite the five-time Ballon D'or winner helping Juve to the Serie A title last season, he admitted it may be time to call it a day.

But fans of the 34-year-old needn't be too concerned - as he also suggested he could go on until into his forties yet.

As reported by Goal , when quizzed on retirement by TV1, Ronaldo said: "I don't think about that.

Ronaldo admitted he could retire next year (AFP/Getty Images)

"Maybe I can leave my career next year … but I can also play up to 40 or 41.

"I don't know. What I always say is to enjoy the moment. The gift is excellent and I have to continue to enjoy it."

Ronaldo finished as Juve's top scorer last season with 21 goals in the league which were crucial in the Old Lady's defence of their crown.

The former Man Utd and Real Madrid forward has now won the domestic title in three different countries and is among the most decorated players in the game.

However Ronaldo had his sights set on a different achievement, rather than trophies.

The 34-year-old still has three years remaining on his Juventus contract (AFP/Getty Images)

He added: "Are there any soccer players who have more records than me?"

"I don't think there are any footballers who have more records than me."

Ronaldo is considered among the all-time greats, and is frequently compared with Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

The Portuguese star has frightening levels of athleticism (AFP/Getty Images)

But he has previously highlighted a significant difference between the two of them.

“The difference with Messi is that I played for several clubs and won the Champions League with different clubs,” said Ronaldo in his DAZN documentary ‘The Making Of’.

“I was top scorer in the Champions League six seasons in a row. There aren’t many players who won five Champions League trophies, so this is why I feel that I can identity myself with this tournament.

He suggested he could carry on playing until in his forties (AFP/Getty Images)

“Messi is an excellent player who will be remembered not just for his Ballon d’Or wins, but also for having improved – like me – year after year.

“I wake up every morning with the idea in my head of training with the objective of achieving something more, not just to earn money.

“Thank God, I don’t lack money, so what I want to earn is a place in the history of football.”

Well... he's certainly done that.

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