Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that his career is entirely in his own hands, insisting no one can tell the Portugal star when to retire.
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- Ronaldo in search of new club at age 40
- Still captains Portugal and may play at CWC
- Shearer says retirement is his decision
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo is still going strong at 40 and may be on his way to a new club this summer, having hinted that he will not stay on at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr following his expiring contract. He has been linked with a short-term move to a club competing in the upcoming Club World Cup, including Saudi side Al-Hilal and Morocco's Wydad, though the possibility of him extending with Al-Nassr is reportedly back on the table.
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- Getty Images Sport
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Even at national team level, Ronaldo remains a key part of the Portugal squad, having been called up for the Nations League finals in June, when they will face Germany and then either Spain or France. Retirement, it seems, is far from the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star's mind, and ex-England striker Alan Shearer insists it's all up to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to decide when he hangs up his boots.
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WHAT SHEARER SAID
"Ronaldo has hinted at an exit from his current club, what’s next for him? I don't know," he told . "He's not as good as he was obviously. It's impossible to be at that age but he's still going somehow and still scoring goals at that level. I haven't got a clue what's going on with him. He's still playing for Portugal, they won't retire him, he'll have to retire himself.
"Whether he wants to play in the Club World Cup, the World Cup next year… I don't know but it'll be really interesting to see what happens with him and what his next step is.
You have to be surprised to see him still doing it at his age. To be playing at 40 at any level is remarkable. To still be playing and scoring for Portugal is remarkable but he's been just that all through his career."
- Getty Images Sport
WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
Ronaldo will hope to have his future clarified soon, but it remains to be clear if he aims to appear at the Club World Cup, seek a whole new challenge, or commit to a new deal with Al-Nassr.
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