Fans once hoped Cristiano Ronaldo would play football forever, but the Portuguese superstar has now confirmed he is set to retire – and has been planning for that day for more than a decade. 

In an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan at his home in Riyadh, the 40-year-old Al-Nassr striker said: “I think I will be ready. It will be difficult, for sure. I will probably cry. I have been preparing for my future since I was 25, 26. I believe I am strong enough to withstand that pressure.” 

Although he has just signed a 2-year contract extension with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo revealed that he has started to “think about the end” because he wants to spend more time with his family and children. 

Ronaldo has been in impressive form, scoring twice in his most recent match for Portugal. However, he admits that nothing can compare to the feeling of scoring and the cheers of thousands of spectators: “Nothing can replace the excitement of playing football. But everything has a beginning and an end.” 

After retiring, CR7 plans to enjoy a simple life: “I want to have more time for myself, for my family, especially Bella – my youngest daughter who is only 3 years old. I want to be present more.” 

He also shared more about his plans after football: “I like watching UFC, I like playing padel with my friends. I also want to learn more about my companies. Now I don’t care about money anymore – I just want to be happy and enjoy life.” 

Ronaldo is now the first player to reach a billion dollar fortune, with a salary of 12 million pounds/month at Al-Nassr, and the CR7 brand selling underwear, perfume and shoes. 

“I passed the billionaire mark at 39, but now it doesn’t matter anymore. As Carl Jung said: After 40, people really start to live. And I feel that.”