Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed for managerial roles with Portugal and Al-Nassr once he retires from his playing career.
- Signed new contract in Saudi Pro League
- Deal will take him beyond 42nd birthday
- Questions asked of what happens next
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Retirement remains some way off for now, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner having committed to a new two-year contract in the Middle East. Said deal will take the evergreen frontman beyond his 42nd birthday.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
If he is still going strong at that point, with the potential to play alongside son Cristiano Jr at some stage, then more fresh terms may be thrashed out. At some point, CR7 will have to head into retirement and take on a new challenge.
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DID YOU KNOW?
He has no need to concern himself with the stresses of coaching, as the highest earning athlete on the planet, but walking away from football entirely could prove tricky for the all-time great.
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WHAT MEULENSTEEN SAID
With that in mind, ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has told of CR7 stepping into the dugout: “I can see Cristiano Ronaldo managing Portugal, but it will depend on whether he feels he needs the experience of managing a football club first. If Cristiano does go into management, he will take many of his traits as a player into his role as a manager. His dedication and determination to succeed will follow him into whatever role he takes.
“Having said that, in today’s game, there’s a big difference between a manager and a coach. For example, Sir Alex Ferguson was the manager of Man United, but coaches like Mike Phelan and myself ran the training sessions with the team. If Ronaldo does go on to manage his national team, he’ll need the right coaching support around him.
“Alternatively, he might prefer to start off at a domestic club. Perhaps he’ll move up to a managerial role at Al-Nassr or even be invited to lead the Saudi National team; either are realistic outcomes.”
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