Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United has been confirmed, as has his retirement date.
Cristiano Ronaldo has stated his desire to leave Manchester United, and his mother, Dolores Aveiro, has stated her desire for the family to return to Lisbon.
Dolores Aveiro, Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother, has confirmed the superstar’s intention to leave Manchester United and has discussed his retirement.
Ronaldo, 37, stated earlier this month that his “journey” at the top level is far from over. Following his high-profile return from Juventus last year, the forward wanted to leave United this summer after only one season, but his ambition was not realized as he remained at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo was “upset” to see his pay cut at Manchester United after the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League resulted in a 25% cut to each player’s weekly wage. However, he was unable to leave because no club was willing to meet his wage demands and guarantee him regular football.
Dolores confirmed to Nova Genta that there are plans to return the Portugal international to Sporting CP, his first senior club and where he developed before joining United for the first time in 2003.
“It (a return to Sporting) can happen, but not right now,” Ronaldo’s mother explained. This was not the year for it, but perhaps next year. This will happen this year or next, God willing! I’ve already told him, ‘Son, before I die, I want to see him in the Sporting shirt again.’ If Ronaldo does not appear, his son, Cristianinho, will.
That is his fate. He is playing better than his father at his age! Cristianinho is Cristiano’s successor. He’s already stated his desire to live in Lisbon and play for Sporting, and if they both leave, it would be my dream. If a mother’s and grandmother’s wishes are granted, one of her children will be born.
When pressed about Cristiano’s retirement plans, his mother stated, “He has a strong desire to continue and to keep playing until he is 40.” That would take the striker up to the end of the 2024/25 season, marking 23 seasons at the highest level of football.
Ronaldo explained his future plans earlier this month at the Quinas de Ouro awards: “I hope to stay in the Portuguese international setup for a few more years. My ambition is high, and I am motivated. I am part of a young team that aspires to compete not only in the World Cup but also in the upcoming European Championships.”
The Portuguese superstar continued, saying: “I am honored to have received such a prestigious award. I never imagined I’d be able to do it. It’s been a long road, but I’d like to emphasize that my journey is far from over. Cristiano is still a little bit alive.”
Ronaldo, who isn’t currently playing regularly for United, had been looking ahead to the January transfer window, but Red Devils football director John Murtough poured cold water on the idea of first-team movements in or out of the club this winter, implying the forward won’t be leaving.
Ronaldo has 699 goals in club football and 816 overall in his senior career, and he is determined to add to the 31 major awards he has received in his two decades in football.
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