The first part of the newly released interview with Piers Morgan was released via Morgan’s official X account. Cristiano Ronaldo opened up on a wide range of subjects, from Manchester United’s ongoing struggles to his future in football, his personal life, and even his growing detachment from material luxuries.
Softfootball reported that the Al Nassr forward, who remains one of football’s most iconic figures, gave fans a deeper glimpse into his mindset at this stage of his career in an earlier released snippet.
Reflecting on Manchester United’s current situation, Ronaldo expressed sadness over the club’s decline, stating that the club is still very much important to him, lamenting the lack of structure at Old Trafford, and urging the need for smart leadership to rebuild for the future.
He said:
Well, as you mentioned, good question. For me, I’m sad because it’s a club that’s one of the most important in the world, and a club that I still have in my heart for obvious reasons. You have to follow with intelligent people, smart people, to create a base for the future.
As Manchester United had so many years ago, Nicky Butt, Carrick, Roy Keane, Beckham — they became big players but they had youth. So Manchester United right now doesn’t have a structure. I hope that changes in the future, because the potential of the club is amazing. It’s one of the most important clubs of the century.
Ronaldo, who won the Champions League, Ballon d’Or, and multiple domestic titles with United, admitted he still follows the club closely and feels disappointed by their decline. Speaking about manager Rúben Amorim, Ronaldo offered measured support but made it clear that no coach could perform miracles overnight.
He revealed:
Of course, because I played there so many years. I won the Champions League, I won the Ballon d’Or, I won like 12, 13, 14 titles there. So as I say and repeat , Manchester United is still in my heart. I love that club.
But we have to be honest and look at ourselves and say, listen, they are not on a good path. So they need to change. And it’s not only about the coach or players, in my opinion.
He’s doing his best. What can you do , miracles? Miracles, this is impossible.
We say in Portugal, Miracles are only in Fátima.
You know that expression?
You know the Fátima?
You’re not going to do miracles. Even though Manchester United have good players, some of them don’t have the right mindset , what it means to play for Manchester United.
When asked about retirement, Ronaldo admitted that the end of his playing career is near, but he is mentally preparing for it. Despite still being deeply passionate about football, Ronaldo confessed that nothing will ever compare to the feeling of playing.
He claimed:
Soon, yes. But I think I’ll be prepared. It will be tough, of course. It will be difficult. Probably I’ll cry, yes, I’m an easy guy to cry. I don’t hide my feelings. I’m honest, I’m open.
It’ll be very, very difficult. But I’ve been preparing my future since I was 25, 26, 27 years old. I think I’ll be capable of handling that pressure.
Nothing will compare. The adrenaline we have for football, to score a goal, it’s unique. But as I say, everything has a beginning and an end.
I think I’ll be ready. I have other passions. I’ll have more time for myself and my family, especially for Bella. I’ve started to feel it when I travel and stay away so many days.
I want to follow Cristiano Jr., he’s at that age where he can start doing silly things, normal, because I did the same. I want to be there for him. I love football, but I want to be more family-oriented, more present.
Ronaldo also spoke candidly about his changing relationship with money and material possessions, admitting that his priorities have evolved. Asked how many cars he owns, the Portuguese star replied with a laugh, revealing that he doesn’t know and doesn’t keep tabs of things like that. He noted that he rarely drives in Saudi Arabia due to the heavy traffic but shared a lighter moment from his current club, Al Nassr, revealing the last time he drove.
Watch the full video below:
He explained:
I don’t spend money, for example. I’m not big on shopping. I can buy whatever I want, but I don’t need it anymore. Sometimes, okay, three days ago, I bought a car, but it’s for collection, like buying a painting. I’m not going to drive it, it’s an investment.
Mercedes. I have Mercedes, I buy Bugatti too, but it’s investment.
I don’t know how many cars I have, Piers. I don’t count. Maybe 50? Honestly, 40 or 50. I swear on my kids, I don’t know.
I love the Bugattis. I have a few. They’re different beasts. But I don’t drive them. For example, I was one week in Madrid and didn’t even go to my garage to see them.
When they come back from inspection, I just look, they’re clean, they’re good. For me, cars are not a passion anymore.
Yes, I drive, but not much in Saudi because of the traffic. We train in the afternoon, traffic is terrible. But when I go home, it’s clear. Yesterday, for example, Al Nassr have a BMW sponsorship, all players got a new car. I drove home in my new BMW. But I don’t drive a lot here, maybe once in six months
On his personal life, Ronaldo confirmed that wedding plans with Georgina Rodríguez have been discussed but not finalised. Ronaldo also reminisced about his first professional goal with Sporting Lisbon, recalling it as the moment that defined his belief in his own potential.
He said:
Not yet. We planned to do it after the World Cup, with the trophy.
We didn’t plan that because she’s not the type who likes big parties. She likes private things. I respect her decision.Why not? You’re invited!
Yes, for Sporting (His first goal). You should see it unbelievable goal! That was the moment people said, This guy will be a good player. I was 17, quicker and smarter than the rest. That goal gave me confidence. It made me believe I could be a top professional.
Ending the conversation with a reflection on his longevity and mindset, Ronaldo described his perspective on being substituted during a Portugal match after scoring twice; in the meantime, he is going to sit out Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League 2 clash with FC Goa.
He explained:
Honestly, sometimes we think the easy way is better, but it’s not. I understand the coach, maybe he wanted to protect the result, put in a fresh player. I would’ve liked to stay to score a third, but it’s okay. I’ve scored so many hat-tricks already, one more or less doesn’t matter to me anymore.
From his reflections on Manchester United’s troubles to his own life after football, the interview paints a picture of a man at peace with his legacy but still fiercely passionate about the game that made him a global icon.
