Cristiano Ronaldo joked he would "100 per cent" retire from football if he nets the winner for Portugal to win the World Cup in Qatar next month.
The 37-year-old is embarking on what looks certain to be his final World Cup for his country as he chases the grand prize missing from his bursting trophy cabinet after a glittering career. Ronaldo will be aiming to put his club troubles with Manchester United behind him as he leads Portugal into his 10th major tournament.
But while he still remains in top physical condition, even Ronaldo has conceded in his interview with Piers Morgan on Talk TV that the years are catching up with him and the prospect of retirement is edging ever closer on the horizon as he laid out his ideal scenario.
Asked about the longevity of his career, Ronaldo replied: "For me it's a stupid question. What do people say? They are not the same. Nobody is the same. Day by day we're getting old. Every one of us, you understand, it is normal.
"You have to adapt. And I think nobody in this game have this brain that adapts with his age. I don't want to be cocky to say that I'm the same as when I was 20. Of course, no.
“But I adapt and be smart to know my strength, what I'm good to do. And I'm still playing the high level and I score goals, and I will continue to score goals. If my mind is clear and happy.
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"And if the people surround me, they're helping me to be [a] successful player, especially the coach, the president, the directors… But when you feel that the energy doesn't surround you it's difficult for you to be yourself, which is what's happened with me."
Ronaldo dismissed claims that several clubs have turned down the chance to sign him, branding those suggestions "a complete lie". He tried in vain to leave Manchester United in the summer but saw a move blocked, while he's largely been resigned to the role of a substitute this season - something previously inconceivable for a player of his stature.
While his future at Old Trafford looks to be coming to an abrupt end, Ronaldo insists he is keen to keep playing for some time to come. Quizzed on his plans, he explained: "I want to play two years more, three years more. So two or three years maximum.
"I want to finish [aged] 40. I think 40, will be a good age… But I don't know, I don't know the future. Sometimes you plan one thing for your life and as I told many times, the life is dynamic. And you never know what's going to happen.”
Success for Portugal at the World Cup would certainly provide Ronaldo with food for thought, as well as the opportunity to bow out of the game on the grandest stage. Despite not being among the favourites, Ronaldo feels Portugal "have a chance" of lifting the trophy.
Morgan suggested Ronaldo's "dream" scenario would be to score a hat-trick in a Portugal vs Argentina final to cancel out a brace from his old rival Lionel Messi. Ronaldo laughed and admitted such an eventuality would convince him to hang up his boots for good. “Yeah. Retired. 100 per cent" - but conceded that reality was "too good".
Watch Piers Morgan Uncensored: 90 Minutes with Ronaldo at https://watch.talk.tv/ or www.youtube.com/piersmorganuncensored
