Cristiano Ronaldo sees himself still playing in 10 years: joke or truth?

Aged but not past his prime. Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to take the field, wearing the jersey of his beloved Portugal, in the first Nations League match against Wales. The former star of Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus—among others—has no intention of slowing down. He still feels in excellent shape, both physically and mentally.

His age is a challenge (41), but the Portuguese superstar’s desire to compete remains as strong as ever. When it’s time to play, CR7 isn’t one to back down: “Retire from the national team? I still believe I can help the national team achieve its goals,” he told the BBC.

Cristiano Ronaldo has a very clear goal in mind: reaching 1,000 career goals (he’s 21 away). In short, that milestone is very close. Retirement after that? Absolutely not.

“The most important thing for me is to be on the field, score goals, and help the team win. How long can I keep playing? Even when I’m retired… in 10 years. The most important thing is to feel good,” he added. In short, despite his age and the staggering number of games he’s played, CR7 isn’t thinking about retiring just yet. Right now, his focus is on Wales, his next opponent.