Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at soon retiring from professional football.

 

Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi club Al Nassr, revealed during an interview with British host Piers Morgan that he was thinking about stepping away from the game to spend more time with his family and prepare for the next phase of his life.

 

“It will be very difficult because nothing compares to the joy football gives me. But everything has a beginning and an end. I want more time for myself, my family and to raise my children,” the 40-year-old said.

 

Ronaldo shared that he has been planning his post-football life since he was 25 or 26, saying he felt mentally ready to handle the pressure that comes with retirement.

 

“There are many things in life I still want to experience,” he said, adding that football gave him a unique kind of happiness, but he knew leaving at the right time was important.

 

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he now wants to focus on his children and personal life after spending most of his years traveling and playing football around the world.

 

Ronaldo also confidently ranked himself above the Inter Miami forward.

 

When Morgan asked if Messi was better than him, the 39-year-old immediately replied, “Is Messi better than me? I disagree. I don’t want to be humble.”

 

Despite his bold claim, Ronaldo said he has great respect for Messi, noting that their rivalry helped both of them achieve greatness. He has praised the Argentine on several occasions, even saying that he would like to have dinner with him someday.

 

The two football legends have dominated the sport for more than 17 years, battling for Ballon d’Or titles, breaking goal-scoring records, and defining an era of modern football.

 

With his latest brace for Al Nassr, Ronaldo now has 952 career goals, just 48 away from his dream milestone.

 

Messi, meanwhile, has 891 goals, trailing his longtime rival by 61, though he remains the only one between the two to have lifted the FIFA World Cup for his country.

 

Ronaldo began his professional career with Sporting CP in 2002 before achieving global fame with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Now, as one of football’s greatest icons, he continues to inspire millions while preparing for life beyond the game.