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Published 13:26 IST, September 21st 2024

'I’m Going to Miss...': Cristiano Ronaldo Shares What He Will Miss About Football After Retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo reflects on aspects he will miss about football post-retirement, showcasing his deep love and attachment to the game.

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Cristiano Ronaldo on his haters | Image: YouTube/Screengrab
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Among the greatest athletes in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo most definitely is the top player of his time. Approaching forty, he keeps surprising with his consistent goal-scoring ability, displaying extraordinary fitness and technique that go against any sign of slowing down. Ronaldo's ongoing influence on the game, as he leads Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team, is unmatched.

Also Read: Pant Smashes a Half-Century During India’s 2nd Innings on Comeback Test

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Cristiano Ronaldo reveals what he will miss the most in football after he retires 

The thing that Cristiano Ronaldo has said he would miss the most about football when he inevitably quits is "the adrenaline of football."

The venerable attacker, 39 years old, has established several marks throughout his remarkable 25-year career, therefore ranking among the best players in football history.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has collected five Ballon d'Or medals and a variety of titles including Premier League, La Liga, and UEFA Champions League throughout his incredible career.

Along with guiding the Portuguese national side to triumphs in the European Championship and the Nations League. During an international break, he recently proved his continuing ability by scoring 900th and 901st career goals.

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Ronaldo's present deal with Al Nassr runs until 2025; he has said he most likely will play his last years in the Saudi Pro League. Still, there are rumours he wants to participate until the World Cup in 2026, showing faith in his capacity to keep delivering at a high calibre.

The Portuguese GOAT, Ronaldo considered what he would most miss after he takes off his boots in a chat with former Manchester United colleague Rio Ferdinand on his personal YouTube channel. As quoted by Metro, Cristiano Ronaldo said: 
 

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‘I’m not going to have the adrenaline… or to be nervous, I think I’m going to miss that.

‘Because other parts, I’m in good control. I have good people around me, I have good business, I have good things, a good income.

‘But I think the adrenaline of football is never going to exist more. This is why I’m going a little bit further in football.

‘With 40s you say, “I give everything!”, do you understand? 40 or 41 or 42, it doesn’t matter. You say, “I give my body for 25 years of football, I cannot give more because the age doesn’t allow to go further”, for example.

‘This is why I’m extending my longevity and this is why I take care of myself, keep working, because I know that two or three years more, I still can produce something good.’

When Ronaldo finally chooses to retire, he expects to be somewhat "lost," but he is also "excited" about beginning "another chapter" devoted to his many commercial endeavours. Ronaldo added: 


‘Of course I will miss [football],’ 

‘Probably I will be a little bit lost but, listen, what am I going to do? You think I’m going to cry? Maybe a little bit because I become more sensitive.

‘I will be a little bit like that but I have other things to worry about, there’s going to be another chapter of my life which is a business part that I’m excited to do.

‘That will be a challenge for me, learning other areas that I really don’t know, being more involved in my business.

‘I’m surrounded by very, very, very good heads which is, for me, the key to having success outside football as well in business, to have people smarter than you.

‘You have to be capable to understand that. I think I’m smart in football but in other areas there are people much smarter than me so you have to be surrounded by them, to learn from them, and you make your own style.’

Cristiano Ronaldo will now his first ever major trophy with Al-Nassr and will look to eye glory with the Portugal National Team in the Nations League. 

13:26 IST, September 21st 2024