Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo considered retirement in 2019.
That's according to his biographer, Thierry Marchand.
The author spoke about a conversation with the Portuguese in 2019: “When you achieve success, it's easy to stay in your bubble without leaving your comfort zone.
"I decided to move to Turin, change the club, the championship, the football culture. I put myself in danger. I took this risk, and therefore, I am sure, I could not win the Ballon d'Or in 2018. If (Lionel) Messi wins an award this year, I will retire from football."
Messi won the Ballon d'Or in 2019 with Barcelona and then in 2021 with PSG.
The 37-year-old Portuguese played for Juventus from 2018 to 2021. In August 2021, he moved to Manchester United.
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Mangisha
40
Someone please remind Ronaldo of what he said. Maybe that's why he is struggling bcos he continues to play when he shd be retired.
N0_N0NsENSE
33
Cr7 wanted to retire because of Messi but still can't retire only because of Messi. Giving reasons for even the great players to carry on. That's why Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time. 🐐