Cristiano Ronaldo could still feature at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, according to his former Manchester United coach. The Portuguese forward, 41, has already dropped hints that he is closing in on retirement.
However, former United coach Rene Meulensteen believes Ronaldo could yet continue playing for another four years. The next World Cup is set to be hosted across Spain, Morocco, and Portugal — a factor that could potentially persuade Ronaldo to extend his career.
Speaking to Goal, he said: “I mean, health permitting. You look at him, he’s 41, but obviously, he’s biologically probably early thirties. It’s a bit of a case where the mind goes, the rest will follow. So there’s no doubt about the fact that he looks after himself in the best possible way.
- Real Madrid star hospitalized after locker room brawl with teammate
- Jonathan Klinsmann suffers neck fracture as USMNT goalkeeper’s agent and club provide updates
“I saw the other day somewhere that they put Ronaldo’s son on the team sheet [at Al-Nassr]. That might be one of the challenges that he still wants to do, to play with him, that would be unique.
“But I think if he stays injury free and he keeps fresh, obviously you have to wait and see what is happening with Portugal because he would possibly be the oldest player at the World Cup. It will definitely play in the back of his mind, especially with the World Cup being co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, Morocco. That’s not too far!”
While Meulensteen has backed Ronaldo to feature at a sixth World Cup in four years’ time, the Portuguese star himself has already dismissed that possibility, insisting this summer’s tournament will be his last, as per The Mirror.
Speaking earlier this season, he said: “Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old and I think [this] will be the moment in the big competition,” before adding: “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game.”
Having made his international debut back in 2003, Ronaldo has accumulated 226 caps for his country, finding the net on 143 occasions.
Ronaldo will enter this year’s World Cup in exceptional form. The veteran striker has registered 28 goals in just 34 games for Al-Nassr so far this season. Portugal are scheduled to open their group stage campaign against DR Congo, before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia.