Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he intends to retire from the game at the ripe oldage of 41, and that he intends to stay at Santiago Bernabeu until then.
Ronaldo has won the Champions League and Euro 2016 with Portugal in 2016, and has been crowned UEFA's 'Best Player' this week at a ceremony in Monaco. Speaking after picking up the award though, according toMarca, Ronaldo insisted he was far from done yet - and that he in fact intended to stay at Madrid for another nine years.
He said:"It was an unforgettable year for club and country, plus collectively and individually. It was awesome and I'm very happy. UEFA's Best Player award is a very important trophy, and after winning the two most important competitions at club and international level, to win this individual trophy caps off a remarkable year.
"I must thank my colleagues from Madrid and the national team for the year they did, and I'm very happy.
"I want to continue (like this), maintaining my level of performance, trying to win things for Madrid, keeping up my rate of goals and assists, helping my club achieve their goals of winning La Liga, the Champions League and Copa del Rey and qualifying Portugal for the World Cup.
A bold aim for Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid:
"I want to finish in this club at 41."https://t.co/O0pqXf325z pic.twitter.com/T9gVmpmE2x
"I'm at the best club in the world and I want to retire here, at 41, as I've said before! The aim is to extend my contract and stay."
Ronaldo's sentiments echoed commentspresident Florentino Perez madein an interview withbeIN Sportrecently too, as he admitted that Ronaldo would definitely be staying in the Spanish capital for a number of years yet.
Perez said:"Ronaldo wants to retire at Madrid and we want him to retire here.Everybody is talking about the (contract) renewal, yet we should all relax, as we're going to enjoy his presence and leadership for many years to come."
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