Football's most prolific goalscorer has signalled the approaching end of an extraordinary career.
The 40-year-old Portuguese striker, currently plying his trade with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, disclosed his impending departure from the sport during a YouTube appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored.
With an astounding 952 goals to his name, the veteran forward acknowledged that retirement would arrive "soon" and predicted an intensely emotional farewell.
The revelation emerged during his latest collaboration with Morgan, marking their second high-profile interview following the explosive 2022 discussion that precipitated his Manchester United exit.
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he is close to retiring with the World Cup still in his sights
| GETTYThe ageing superstar's candid admission suggests professional football will shortly lose one of its greatest ever practitioners.
When questioned directly about his retirement timeline, Ronaldo responded: "Soon."
The forward elaborated on the emotional toll he anticipates, stating: "I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. Will be difficult, yes. Probably I will cry, yes..."
The Portuguese international revealed remarkable foresight regarding his post-football life.
"It will be very, very difficult but I've prepared my future since [I was] 25, 26, 27 years old. So I think I will be capable to support that pressure," he explained.
His acknowledgement of the challenges ahead demonstrates unusual vulnerability from a player renowned for supreme confidence throughout his decorated career.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner remains under contract with the Saudi Pro League outfit through the conclusion of the 2026/27 campaign.
His appearance on Morgan's YouTube platform represents their renewed collaboration, three years after their controversial exchange hastened his Old Trafford departure.
Cristiano Ronaldo left United for Al-Nassr in acrimonious circumstances
|GETTY
That earlier encounter with the divisive broadcaster proved pivotal in severing his second spell at Manchester United.
Their latest discussion, conducted in markedly different circumstances, has yielded equally significant revelations about the twilight of an unparalleled career.
The timing of this announcement, whilst still competing at professional level in the Middle East, underscores the Portuguese icon's methodical approach to managing his legacy.
Beyond retirement plans, the former Real Madrid galactico offered forthright observations about Manchester United's present circumstances.
Despite maintaining affection for his former employer, he suggested the Red Devils were "not in a good path" during the Morgan interview.
The Portuguese legend's assessment extended beyond surface-level criticism, indicating deeper institutional challenges at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo could still lead Portugal out at the World Cup next year
| REUTERSThese observations arrive as United navigate a transitional period under new management.
The timing proves particularly poignant given Ronaldo's acrimonious 2022 departure following public disagreements with then-manager Erik ten Hag, which ultimately led to his contract termination and subsequent move to Saudi Arabia.