“Ronaldo should pack it now”

Former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to ‘pack it now’ and retire after reaching the milestone of 1,000 goals, insisting that the Portuguese superstar could tarnish his legacy by continuing to play.

Currently at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has continued to prove that age is just a number as he keeps strutting his stuff in Saudi Arabia. With his current deal with Al-Nassr set to expire in 2027, Ronaldo has yet to reveal exactly when he will retire, although he said he would hang up his boots ‘soon’ in an interview with Piers Morgan in November 2025.

Speaking to NewBettingSites.ukLimpar praised Ronaldo’s longevity but suggested that the 41-year-old should call it a day rather than attempting a move to Major League Soccer – a league the Swede believes is not easy to play in.

“If MLS is to become an even bigger league, it should want to bring a star like Cristiano Ronaldo to the USA but he’s 41-years-old now,” Limpar said. “He was injured for Portugal’s last two games. He’s got a World Cup coming up. I admire these guys like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and how they can still keep playing all that they have won, it’s amazing, but surely Ronaldo should pack it in now, after the World Cup?”

Limpar added:

“Why would you start another journey in MLS at 41? It’s not an easy league to play in. There are many very good players over there. My message to Ronaldo is please, for the sake of your legacy, score your 1,000 goals and then call it a day. Nobody can get close to achieving what he has achieved as a football player. Come on. Don’t be stubborn. Just face life and pack it in.”

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action last Friday, April 3, following a hamstring injury that had kept him on the sidelines since February 28. He scored a brace in Al-Nassr’s emphatic 5-2 win over Al-Najma, taking his career goal tally to 967.

When Cristiano Ronaldo said his ‘goal’ is to reach 1,000 goals

In December 2025, after being named the Best Middle East Player at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards, Cristiano Ronaldo admitted that his goal is to score a thousand career goals. He assured fans he will reach the milestone if he remains injury-free.

“It’s hard to continue playing, but I am motivated. My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going. You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number (1,000 goals) that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries,” Ronaldo said.

Back in June 2025, Ronaldo revealed he has yet to set a retirement date but stated that he would call time on his illustrious career once he stops enjoying the game.