Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that he wants to retire at Real Madrid and continue playing for the club until he is 41 years old.
Ronaldo was crowned UEFA’s Best Player in Europe for 2016 after a season that saw him win the Champions League with Madrid and skipper Portugal to their first-ever major trophy at Euro 2016, and the forward proceeded to discuss his past, present and future with BeIN Sports.
“It was an unforgettable year for club and country, plus collectively and individually,” he began.
“It was awesome and I’m very happy. [UEFA Best Player] is a very important trophy, and after winning the two most important competitions at club and international level, to win this individual trophy caps off a remarkable year.
“I must thank my colleagues from Madrid and the national team for the year they did, and I’m very happy.
“I want to continue [like this], maintaining my level of performance, trying to win things for Madrid, keeping up my rate of goals and assists, helping my club achieve their goals of winning La Liga, the Champions League and Copa del Rey and qualifying Portugal for the World Cup.
“[On Fiorentino Perez’s claim that he wants to retire at Madrid], yes, that’s what I want, I’m at the best club in the world and I want to retire here, at 41, as I’ve said before! The aim is to extend my contract and stay.
“[On whether 2016 was his best year], it’s one more but still very important, I always say that every year is very important, each year is different, but obviously this was special due to the Champions League and European Championship, Portugal’s first major trophy, so collectively it was the best of my career.
“I motivate myself, I don’t need to look at others. I maintain my levels and do as what I like, play football and compete every year.”
