Cristiano Ronaldo is still worshipped as a hero in Portugal, and Ryan Gauld says that means the all-time great will not “give up any time soon”.
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Evergreen frontman still going strongWill turn 40 in February 2025Still has targets to hit before retirementWHAT HAPPENED?
Scotland international Gauld knows all about Ronaldo’s standing in his homeland, having spent time on the books at Sporting – the club that put CR7 on the road to superstardom. The odd question may have been asked of his value to an international cause at 39 years of age, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is not going anywhere.
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Ronaldo reached 900 career goals when netting on his latest appearance for Portugal – taking him to 131 through 213 appearances for his country – and is being tipped to grace the 2026 World Cup, while also delaying any retirement plans at club level.
WHAT GAULD SAID
Gauld has told reporters of what makes the evergreen ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid forward a source of inspiration to players around the world: "Ronaldo doesn't look like he's ready to give up any time soon. As long as there's a chance to play and a chance to score goals, I'm guessing he'll be there. I played at Sporting Lisbon, where he started out. He's obviously a hero around those parts. There are murals everywhere and that kind of thing. You won't find anyone saying a bad word about him. So, you can see why he wants to play as much as he can."
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Gauld added: “I think it inspires everyone when you see how good a shape he's in at the age of 39. He's still got the mentality to play at the highest level he can and score goals. It definitely proves if you want to play on you totally can if you look after yourself and do the right things. I think, just for football in general, he's someone that everyone would look up to.”