Sports & Fitness

Ronaldo already looking ahead to post retirement

Portuguese is eyeing a coaching role at Manchester United after hanging up his boots

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 27 Sep 2021 10:00AM

Ronaldo already looking ahead to post retirement
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Manchester United after leaving the club in 2009. - AFP pic, September 27, 2021

CRISTIANO Ronaldo, who signed a two-year contract with the option of a third when he resigned for Manchester United, is reportedly eyeing a coaching role at the club after retirement.

In that likelihood, the Portuguese could end up guiding his son Cristiano Jr who is currently training with the United youth sides.

Ronaldo is set on continuing his association with the Red Devils whose fans are hoping he could be the spark to reignite the club's attempt to win the English Premier League.

The 11-year-old Cristiano Jr is already proving he has his father's lethal skills as he scored four goals for Juventus at junior level on his debut when aged just nine.

United's coaching staff had earlier this month assessed Cristiano Jr after he followed his dad back to the club.

Ronaldo's connection to United is very strong after having enjoyed much success during his first stint with the club from 2003 to 2009.

During that time Ronaldo won the Champions League, three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups.

Having already scored four goals upon his return, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has tipped Ronaldo to continue playing until he is 40.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he still played when he was 40, not at all, because of the way he looks after himself.

'"That's the key to it - and of course some genes. There must be some genes as well, some DNA in there.

"He has put every single ounce of energy and effort into becoming the player he is and has been, so he deserves every single little plaudit that he gets for his physical state.

"What's more impressive is when you have achieved as much as he has, he's still as hungry. His mentality is still absolutely spot-on and that's a desire from inside that he's going to keep going until his head says, 'no, I've given everything now'.

'Hopefully it will last a few more years. Linford Christie (who won the Olympic 100m aged 32 in 1992) was quite an age when he won his gold as well, so age is never a problem." - Agencies, September 27, 2021

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