CRISTIANO RONALDO will play until he's 40 – but will retire as soon as his body slows down, according to Portugal boss Fernando Santos.
The Manchester United star, 37, has dominated headlines over recent months as he looked to force a move away from Old Trafford before his now infamous refusal to appear as sub against Tottenham.
However, Santos has revealed Ronaldo will keep on playing until his physical level finally drops.
In 2020, Santos told TVI24: “Cristiano is ready to play until he’s 40, but he doesn’t know if it will happen.
“At some point he may feel that he no longer has the same conditions.
“He’s not a player who will lower his level, when he feels like he can’t be Ronaldo, he won’t.”
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Ronaldo was surprisingly handed the armband as the Red Devils slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Villa Park on Sunday.
He has started each of United's last four games but it appears Erik ten Hag is happy to let him leave at the beginning of next year.
A report this week has also claimed that a return to Sporting Lisbon could be on the cards.
The veteran is also preparing for what will most-likely be his last World Cup with Portugal this month.
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But one thing is for certain, Ronaldo is not planning to retire any time soon – and his incredibly detailed fitness regime makes that all possible.
In 2020, Ronaldo revealed his desire to play until he's 40 after celebrating his 35th birthday.
Quizzed on how long he can keep going, the Portuguese icon told Marca: "Much will depend on what I feel, on my motivation.
"Physically it will never be a problem.
"I am treating myself well and I think can play safely up to 40 years.
"The most important factor, honestly, will be more psychological – that will be the one that makes the difference.
"In any case, everything has a beginning and an end. I won't last a lifetime but I still feel strong enough to continue winning. I will stop if I have no incentives."
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