Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that his retirement from professional football is approaching “soon,” saying the decision will be “very difficult” but one he has been preparing for most of his life.

In a candid interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 40-year-old Al Nassr forward said he has been planning for life beyond football since his mid-20s.

“Soon,” Ronaldo said when asked about retirement. “I think I will be prepared. It will be very, very difficult. But I’ve prepared my future since I was 25. Nothing will compare to the adrenaline of scoring a goal, but everything has a beginning and everything has an end.”

He added that he looks forward to spending more time with his family. “I’m going to have more time for myself, for my family, to raise my kids,” he said.

Still following Manchester United

The former Manchester United striker said he still follows the club’s results closely, despite his second spell there ending on a sour note three years ago.

“I’m sad, because the club is one of the most important in the world and one that I still have in my heart,” Ronaldo said. “They don’t have a structure. I hope that changes because the potential of the club is amazing.”

United endured one of their worst top-flight campaigns last season, finishing 15th—their lowest since relegation in 1973–74.

“I will probably cry” — Ronaldo on his last game

Ronaldo admitted that his final match will likely be an emotional one. “I will probably cry,” he told Piers Morgan. “I’ve been preparing for this since I was 25.”

He explained that while wealth and fame once motivated him, they no longer define his happiness. “Being the first football billionaire is great,” he said. “But now I just want to enjoy playing, training, and competing.”

The Portugal captain also addressed public perceptions of arrogance. “People say I’m arrogant, but I don’t care anymore. I just want to do what I love—enjoy football, training, and competition.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s unmatched legacy

Ronaldo began his career with Sporting CP in 2002 before joining Manchester United in 2003, where he won multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy.

He moved to Real Madrid in 2009, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 450 goals in 438 appearances. His nine-year spell in Spain included four Champions League titles and several domestic honors.

Ronaldo later played for Juventus before joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he remains an influential figure both on and off the pitch.

Internationally, Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals in men’s football, scoring 143 times in 225 appearances for Portugal. He led his country to victory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League.

Across his career—including stints at Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr—Ronaldo has scored 952 official goals and is now aiming for an unprecedented 1,000-goal milestone.