Cristiano Ronaldo expects to retire next year: “It’s been 25 years of sacrifice” | OneFootball

Ronaldo is aiming for 1,000 goals [Getty Images]

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he will likely retire at the end of the season.

Ronaldo gave an interview to Vogue magazine in which he announced he has already planned the next stage of his life post-football. The 41-year-old's contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr ends next summer, after which Ronaldo is minded to hang up his boots.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told the magazine.

“I have my future all mapped out. I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.

“And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned — what we’ve earned. Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”

Ronaldo has scored a career total 976 goals – the most of any professional footballer in history - meaning he needs just 24 goals for club and country before next summer to reach the 1,000-goal mark.