Cristiano Ronaldo confirms post-retirement plans on his birthday – 'Dream of mine'

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his aspirations to own several football clubs once his playing career is over.

Having now turned 40, Ronaldo has reflected on his playing career and is looking to the future. The Al-Nassr star has showed few signs of slowing down in the Saudi Pro League, and has scored four goals in his last three games building up to his birthday, after netting 23 times in 25 appearances this season.

Ronaldo’s next steps are on his mind. Ronaldo has no interest in moving into management or coaching, but does want to remain in football.

The five-times Ballon d’Or winner instead wants to move into ownership. One club is not enough to satisfy his ambitions, however.

“It doesn’t make a lot of sense to be director of a club. If I can be a club owner, why would I be a manager, sporting director or CEO?,” told Portuguese television station Canal 11.

“That is a dream of mine and I am sure I’ll be a club owner. And I’ll tell you more. I hope to have not just one club, but several clubs.”

Ronaldo would join an illustrious selection of players who have moved into ownership. David Beckham has a stake in Inter Milan, while his namesake Ronaldo Nazario has enjoyed ownership of Real Valladolid and previously Cruzeiro.

Such a move would also see Ronaldo follow in the footsteps of former team-mates Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, who as part of the Class of 92, own Salford City.

Ronaldo has also opened up on his relationship with Lionel Messi. The pair were fearsome rivals as the fulcrums of Real Madrid and Barcelona and divided opinion over who was the world’s best player.

The ex-Madrista revealed that their connection was friendlier than it could often appear however. Ronaldo admitted they pushed each other to greater heights.

“Messi? The rivalry was healthy,” he told Chiringuito.. “I’ve never had a bad relationship. On the contrary. We shared the stage at the awards for 15 years and we always got along very well. And I even remember that at one I used to translate what they said in English.

“I translated for him, it was funny. He always treated me well. Obviously, he defended his club, I defended mine; he defended his national team, and I defended mine. I think we did help each other improve.

“I think there were years when he wanted to play everything and score, so did I. It was a healthy fight. I loved playing in the Camp Nou. They booed me, they insulted me, and I loved it!

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