Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed to set his own end date with Portugal as nobody dares to tell the all-time great: "I'm not taking him".
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Records shattered by all-time greatStill going strong at 40 years of ageWill have to walk away eventuallyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
At 40 years of age, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner continues to be called upon by his country. He has already shattered records in the men's international game with 217 caps and 135 goals to his name. The expectation is that CR7 will play on until at least the 2026 World Cup.
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Ronaldo is in the process of stat-padding his remarkable career, with his plan being to reach 1,000 career goals. That cause is being aided by a prolific strike rate at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. As he remains in remarkable shape, there is no need for difficult snubs to be considered.
WHAT EX-ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL SAID
That situation will change at some stage, with big decisions needing to be made, but ex-England international Chris Waddle – who also played into his 40s – has told of what the immediate future holds for Ronaldo: "I think it's a hard situation. It's hard for Portugal’s manager. He's such a legend, a great footballer, Ronaldo. I just look at it and think if he's doing better than the players who are under him or the players coming through, if he's a better option, and let's be honest, Portugal have always struggled for centre forwards, then let him play.
"They've always been a great team, but never really had outstanding number nines. And if Ronaldo's the best option at number nine for an hour for whatever, then so be it. That's down to [Roberto] Martinez. But there's got to be a time when somebody's coming through and you've got to think, he's my number nine now. But I don't really see a Portuguese number nine coming through.
"I can see why Ronaldo is such a legend in the game. If he thinks he can still do it, he will be at the World Cup. We know he likes to beat stats. He wants the most games, the most goals. He's got that about him. It's down to Martinez. There's going to be a time when somebody's going to have to say: 'I'm not taking him'. But that may be Ronaldo's decision.
"I think because he's such a legend, that's what they're worried about doing. They don’t want to upset one of the greatest footballers of all time, and while they don't produce centre-forwards, he's always got a chance of playing."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?
Ronaldo has more silverware in his sights for 2025, with Portugal readying themselves for a Nations League quarter-final clash with Denmark. CR7 is likely to fill the captain’s armband across that two-legged tie as Martinez and Co once again look to their GOAT for inspiration.