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Ronaldo tells fashion magazine this year could be his last as a professional footballer

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during a game against Azerbaijanf for a World Cup 2022 group A qualifying match at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, Italy, 24 March, 2021
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during a game against Azerbaijanf for a World Cup 2022 group A qualifying match at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, Italy, 24 March, 2021 Copyright  Julie Jacobson/AP Photo
Copyright Julie Jacobson/AP Photo
By Orestes Georgiou Daniel
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The Portuguese legend has scored 976 goals for club and country in a senior career that has lasted more than 20 years.

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that this year could be his last as a professional footballer, bringing to a close to one of the most successful careers in the history of the sport.

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In an interview with Vogue magazine that was largely about his wedding, Ronaldo said "this is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy," adding that his future after football was "all mapped out".

"I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard," he said, listing travel and padel among his favourite activities.

"Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one," he explained.

Ronaldo married his longstanding partner Georgina Rodriguez in a ceremony in the Portuguese resort of Cascais last Tuesday.

He told Vogue he wanted to "continue to enjoy what I've earned - what we've earned. Because after all it's been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice", referring to his career.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal after winning the FIFA Men's soccer player of the year 2014 prize at the FIFA Ballon d'Or awarding ceremony in Zürich on 12 January 2015,
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal after winning the FIFA Men's soccer player of the year 2014 prize at the FIFA Ballon d'Or awarding ceremony in Zürich on 12 January 2015, Walter Bieri/AP Photo

A glittering career full of highs

Widely considered one of the best football players in the world in his prime, the 41-year-old Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or and the Champions league five times each.

He has won the league in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia, and is the all-time top goalscorer in men's international football.

At the international level, he captained Portugal to a UEFA European Championship triumph in 2016.

With 976 goals for club and country, he is now just 24 shy of 1,000 senior career goals.

He currently plays his club football at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, where he has one year remaining on his contract.

Additional sources • AFP

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