Cristiano Ronaldo is one of soccer’s all-time greats. The Portuguese player has an impressive list of achievements and continues to perform at 40 years old, even as he recognizes he is nearing the end of his career.
Recently, Ronaldo received the Globo Prestigio award at the Portugal Football Globe Awards, held by the Portuguese Football Federation, for his 22 years representing the national team.
While accepting the award, he discussed his long career with Portugal and expressed a desire to finish his playing days with the national team. “If I could, I would play only for the national team; I wouldn’t play for any other club,” he said.
Ronaldo added that he does not plan to retire anytime soon and wants to keep playing for a few more years. “I still think I have a lot to give to the national team and to soccer,” he stated.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal milestone
Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in soccer history, with 946 goals. Lionel Messi follows with 884 goals. Ronaldo aims to be the first player to reach 1,000 career goals.
Despite his family encouraging him to retire, reminding him of his many achievements, Ronaldo believes he still has more to offer to both his club and the national team. This motivation keeps him active.
“My family says: ‘It’s time for you to stop. You’ve done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?’ But I think I’m still producing good things,” he remarked. “I know I don’t have many years left, but I aim to enjoy every moment.”