Cristiano Ronaldo could still play at the 2030 World Cup, his former Manchester United coach has claimed. The Portuguese forward will be 41 heading into this summer’s tournament and has already hinted that retirement is on the horizon.
But former United coach Rene Meulensteen believes that he could yet perform a dramatic u-turn and play for another four years. The next World Cup is due to take place across, Spain, Morocco and Portugal - something that could potentially tempt Ronaldo to carry on playing.
Speaking to Goal, he said: “I mean, health permitting. You look at him, he's 41, but obviously he's biologically probably early thirties. It's a bit of a case where the mind goes, the rest will follow. So there's no doubt about the fact that he looks after himself in the best possible way.
“I saw the other day somewhere that they put Ronaldo's son on the team sheet [at Al-Nassr]. That might be one of the challenges that he still wants to do, to play with him, that would be unique.
“But I think if he stays injury free and he keeps fresh, obviously you have to wait and see what is happening with Portugal because he would possibly be the oldest player at the World Cup. It will definitely play in the back of his mind, especially with the World Cup being co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, Morocco. That's not too far!”
Despite Meulensteen having backed Ronaldo to appear at a sixth World Cup in four years' time, the man himself has already ruled that out and claimed this summer’s tournament will be his final one.
Speaking earlier this season, he said: "Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old and I think [this] will be the moment in the big competition,” before adding: "Let's be honest, when I mean soon, it's probably one or two years I'll still be at the game.”
Ronaldo has already amassed 226 caps for his country, having made his debut in 2003. In that time, he has scored 143 goals.
Ronaldo will head into this year’s World Cup in stunning form. The veteran forward has scored 28 goals in just 34 appearances for Al-Nassr so far this season. Portugal are due to kick off their group stage campaign against DR Congo, ahead of games against Uzbekistan and Colombia.
