Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play a big role for Portugal at this summer’s World Cup and has been allowed to play for another four years despite insisting it will be his last tournament.
Ronaldo aims to play in his fifth World Cup this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo could still play in the 2030 World Cup, the former Manchester United manager has claimed. The Portuguese forward will be 41 years old ahead of this summer’s tournament but has already hinted that retirement is near.
But former United manager Rene Meulensteen believes he has made a dramatic U-turn and could play for another four years. The next World Cup is scheduled to be held in Spain, Morocco and Portugal, and there is a possibility that Ronaldo may want to continue playing.
“I mean, health permitting. If you look at him, he’s 41 years old, but obviously biologically he’s probably in his early 30s. Where the mind goes, rest will follow. So there’s no doubt in the fact that he’s taking care of himself in the best way possible.
“I saw somewhere the other day that they included Ronaldo’s son on the (Al Nasr) team sheet. That could be one of the challenges that he still wants to do, that he still wants to play with, it would be unique.”
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“But I think if he stays injury-free and stays fresh, obviously we’ll have to keep an eye on what’s going on in Portugal, because he’ll probably be the oldest player at the World Cup. That’s definitely going to be at the back of his mind, especially considering the World Cup is co-hosted by Portugal, Spain and Morocco. It’s not that far away!”
Meulensteen has been rooting for Ronaldo to aim for his sixth World Cup appearance in four years, but he has already ruled out that possibility, insisting that this summer’s tournament will be his last.
“Absolutely. I’m 41 years old now, but I think (this is) my big tournament moment,” he said earlier this season, before adding, “To be honest, I mean soon, but it’s probably a year or two before I’m still able to play.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Rene Meulensteen at Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
Ronaldo has already won 226 caps for his country since making his debut in 2003, scoring 143 goals in that time.
Ronaldo will be heading into this year’s World Cup in great form. The veteran forward has scored 28 goals in just 34 appearances for Al Nasr this season. Portugal are scheduled to begin their group stage campaign against the Democratic Republic of the Congo ahead of games against Uzbekistan and Colombia.
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