Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to postpone his intended retirement and continue playing until the next World Cup.

Ronaldo had previously stated that he intended to play until 2027, but he wanted his elite career to go until at least 2024, which would include the European Championship finals the following summer. In February, he will turn 39 years old, and three years from now, during the next World Cup, he will be 41 years old.

With 203 goals in 201 appearances for Portugal, Ronaldo became the all-time leading goalscorer in international football in 2021. Having won the European Championship with Portugal in 2016, he wants to try his luck at the competition again. He captained his country at the World Cup finals held in Qatar last year.

In December of last year, Ronaldo’s Portugal team lost their quarterfinal match in Qatar 1-0 to Morocco. The superstar, disappointed that he would not be able to add the one major trophy to his already impressive resume, cried as he headed down the tunnel. All he could do was watch as Argentina’s Lionel Messi emerged victorious in the event.

Ronaldo said, “Even if I win the World Cup, that will continue,” rejecting the notion that his victory would end Messi’s argument for the title of football’s greatest player of all time. I am liked by some people more than others. Similar to how some people prefer blondes over brunettes in real life.

Every year, I’ve had to demonstrate my abilities. Winning this competition would be amazing. Although I have high goals, I would still be content with my accomplishments even if I were to lose all future events.

All the other records will be included in the history books. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to have a World Cup on the shelf. It would only be a fantasy.

But according to a story on the Spanish radio station Cadena Cope, which is based on reports from Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has told the country’s football authorities that he intends to play until “early 2027,” meaning he would play for an additional three seasons.